The wait is finally over, Grand Central Brewhouse is finally opening its doors at 2340 Central Ave. within the former Taco Bus space. News of the forthcoming microbrewery was first announced in April 2019.
The brewhouse is set to host its grand opening this weekend, Dec. 12-13, with live music, a food truck on-site and lots of merch up for sale. The open-air courtyard with games and a beer garden will offer up ample space for social distancing while sipping from the lineup of taps.
According to its website, the Brewhouse's Brew Good program partners with nonprofit organizations on a rotating basis. Each month, 10% of sales from three beers (The Peninsular, St. Petian, and Vandelay Industries) go towards three different nonprofits.
Grand Central's German Pilsner, The Peninsular (5.2% ABV), is part of a permanent partnership with Tampa Bay Watch called “Beer for the Bay”. Tampa Bay Watch is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection and restoration of the Tampa Bay estuary through scientific and educational programs.
Upon opening, Grand Central will be running from noon-midnight seven days a week and will be strictly 21 and up after 9 p.m.
Connected restaurant and karaoke bar, Lala (stylized "LALA"), isn't quite ready to open alongside its counterpart. A rep from Lala told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay that the concept is still working on the interior remodeling, with plans to debut in early 2021. Initially scheduled for a September opening, Lala is set to feature a cocktail menu, as well as American cuisine with a French influence.
The upscale joint will also be home to seven private karaoke rooms for you to belt out your favorite songs with friends and family. More details to come on Lala's grand opening as remodeling continues and the official opening date is announced.
Until then, you can slide into Grand Central for a cold one and see what this long-awaited brewhouse is all about.
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This article appears in Dec 3-9, 2020.