Beer Bar Empire HopCat Bringing Gastropub to Florida

Many tap-handled gastropub chain HopCat is ready to export its successful beer bar concept to the Southeast. The company announced on Wednesday that it will launch its first-ever Florida location in the coastal city of Port St. Lucie in late 2017, according to the Grand Rapids Business Journal.

In 2015 HopCat’s operator BarFly Ventures confirmed ambitious plans to open approximately 30 bars over five years in college towns across the Midwest, but the Florida restaurant represents a new market for the eight-year-old company. BarFly is expected to spend around $2 million outfitting the waterfront restaurant, which Crain’s reports will seat around 250 guests.

The Port St. Lucie outpost will be HopCat’s 12th gastropub. Meanwhile, the chain is moving forward with plans for a new metro Detroit restaurant and bar in Royal Oak. that location is expected to debut this spring in the former Woody’s and Onyx spaces on 5th Avenue.

• Bar chain plans location in Florida [GRBJ]

• HopCat to Open First Location in Florida [Crain’s]

• HopCat to Bless the Midwest With 30 New Gastropubs [ED]

• All Expansions Coverage [ED]