Pontoon Brewing To Open In Sandy Springs

SANDY SPRINGS, GA -- By the end of the summer, Sandy Springs could have its first microbrewery operating in an area of the city currently lagging behind in redevelopment opportunities.

Pontoon Brewing has signed a lease and received its business license to open at 8601 Dunwoody Place in Sandy Springs, which is located in the Northridge Business Park.

The lease was officially signed March 31, the company said on its Facebook page.

Sean O'Keefe, CEO and co-owner of Pontoon Brewery, said the company chose Sandy Springs because of the lack of microbreweries in the city. Those behind the venture scouted more than 40 buildings in seven other cities.

"Several places were leased from underneath us and the process as a whole was super frustrating," he added. "We had marked Sandy Springs as a place we would love to go, but couldn't find a suitable building for our operation."

Fortunately, the company's broker discovered the former Coca-Cola building and O'Keefe said the space was "perfect for our needs."

Pontoon's projected opening date will be in either late August or early September. However, O'Keefe said that all depends on how quickly the construction process moves and how long it will take for the manufacturer to build its brew house. The facility will undergo a massive renovation to "help get our vision across to people" who drop by.

O'Keefe said he's excited to bring the city's first microbrewery in Sandy Springs. That alone, he added, will serve as a big draw for locals. Aside from that, Pontoon Brewing will offer quality beers derived from a group of foodies.

Organizers are also working on unique activities such as tours involving the Chattahoochee River as well as games and activities specific to Pontoon. Promoting the so-called Pontoon lifestyle, O'Keefe states, will set the venture apart from other breweries in metro Atlanta.

"The idea behind the Pontoon lifestyle is that no one gets a Pontoon boat to go fast or to show off," he added. "It's all about enjoying where you are at, living life to the fullest and enjoying a nice cold beer while doing so."

Image via Pontoon Brewing