JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla — In an effort to remain open for business during the coronavirus pandemic, some breweries are getting creative while still following statewide restrictions.
For Southern Swells Brewing Co., they're serving beer in plastic cups while adding a side of Hot Pockets and Doritos to the menu.
”Adding food -- I don't think that's going to do anything to make it safer, but this is a viable longer-term solution on staying open. So, we're definitely pumped about it," co-owner of Southern Swells Corey Adams said.
First Coast News talked to Adams two months ago when bars and breweries were able to reopen in Phase 2, but the Jacksonville Beach brewery was only serving customers for a few weeks before Gov. Ron DeSantis' Emergency Order made it close its taproom for a second time.
It applied to establishments that derive more than 50 percent of their gross revenue from alcohol beverage sales. The order still allowed these establishments to continue selling their alcoholic drinks in to-go sealed containers.
Adams said the brewery was doing well for awhile selling to-go drinks, but it recently started struggling.
“We're definitely seeing a pretty drastic decline and to-go sales," Adams said."I think it's just because people have the option to go out and have beers and drinks at restaurants and other types of establishments."
Although, Southern Swells will continue to-go and online orders for those who don’t feel comfortable coming in for a beer.
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So, Adams spent the last two weeks working on getting Southern Swells’ a food license.
“I'm happy to spend $1,000 on a license and equipment to get reopened, cause at the end of the day, we'll make that back in a weekend of being open," he explained.
Southern Swells went with the microwavable sandwich so it was easy and safe for its bartenders and customers.
Adams said all of the original social distance guidelines still apply in the taproom such as masks are required if you are up out of your chair and there is no standing to drink at the bar.