Small Brewery Sunday 2020: Where To Grab A Pint In Bradenton

BRADENTON, FL — After several days of turkey, pumpkin pie and holiday shopping, save room this Thanksgiving to grab a pint or growler at your favorite Bradenton brewery or taproom.

This year, the second annual Small Brewery Sunday will be held Nov. 29. Organized by the Brewers Association, a nonprofit group that works with small and independent American craft brewers, the goal of the unofficial holiday is to encourage Americans to patronize and support local breweries “now and through the holiday season,” according to a release.

Here’s a look at the breweries closest to Sarasota that are participating in Small Brewery Sunday.

• 3 Car Garage Brewing Co., 8405 Heritage Green Way
  
• 3 Keys Brewing, 2505 Manatee Ave. E.
• Darwin Brewing Co., 803 17th Ave. W
• Good Liquid Brewing Company, 4824 14th St. W
• Motorworks, 1014 9th Street W
• Naughty Monk Brewery, 2507 Lakewood Ranch Blvd

Interestingly, most Americans live within 10 miles of a craft brewery. This fact lends well to the importance of this year’s Small Brewery Sunday.

The coronavirus pandemic has had a lasting negative impact on small businesses such as breweries. Amid the pandemic, breweries have reported a 22 percent decrease in revenue during the third quarter of 2020, according to a recent survey of Brewers Association members.

The survey also reported that approximately two-thirds of in-house sales during the third quarter of 2020 took place outdoors, indicating that winter will be the “make or break” season for small brewers.

“This has been a devastating year for craft brewers, as they’ve faced shutdowns, decreased sales, layoffs and an aluminum can shortage,” Bob Pease, president and CEO of the Brewers Association, said in a release. “Six packs, gift cards, merchandise — all make great gifts, and every little bit helps.”

The full list of participating breweries is available online.