Cigar City Brewing is making something exclusively for Tampa International (TPA): its own beer.
“We want to create something really special, something that will be found nowhere else,” says Cigar City founder Joey Redner. “It will be the only place in the world to try it.”
The pub, which is expected to open in March in Airside C, also will sell the restaurant’s other brews. Redner says he hasn’t decided on a name for the new beer, but he thinks it will have an aeronautical theme to reflect the area’s aviation history that includes Tony Jannus and Dale Mabry.
Redner is working with HMSHost Corp. to design the space so that it can incorporate as many beer options as possible.
“We’re really excited,” says Redner. “Being in the airport puts our name out there and opens the way for millions of people to try our products.”
The store will also sell Cigar City apparel featuring the labels of the most popular brews.
Cigar City incorporates into its beer elements that reflect Tampa’s heritage, such as brewing with guava or aging the beer on cigar box cedar.
”Cigar City Brewing has a strong local image in the Tampa marketplace and is a brand that is receiving a lot of national attention,” says Bhavesh Patel, director of airport concessions at TPA. “We are excited to add the menu diversity Cigar City Brewing brings to the airport’s food and beverage program.”
