The Witch Turns 2!

Anyone who has ever worked in the service industry knows that it is hard. It is cut-throat, filled with unreliable people of questionable character, and most fail within a year. Too often, new businesses are started with only a general idea of what it is they want to do. Some have a short term plan for success. Fewer still have a solid grip on what they actually want to be. Brett Andress is one of those.

Brett opened up The Ale and the Witch officially in February of 2011.  Craft beer lovers in St. Petersburg rejoiced loudly, and flocked to the 32 taps pouring all-American craft brews. It was ambitious, to be sure, but Brett had a vision of what he wanted the Witch to be. He hired a good staff, most of whom are still there. He also did something that no one else does: live music, every night, and never a cover charge. From bluegrass to funk, rock to folk, the artists at the Witch are all top-notch, creating a great atmosphere in the courtyard each and every night.

But beer is king here. Brett knows what he likes, he knows what his customers like, and he is always bringing in new and interesting brews. The addition of a beer engine has made the option of a special cask beer a delicious one. One of the great things is that the beer is always fresh and the lines are well maintained. Brett keeps track of his stock seemingly to the ounce, and he always knows whats coming up next. Last year, the place went through 2787 kegs (yes, they keep count!). Already this year (as of this writing) they have killed 256.

Thursday, February 7th is their 2nd Anniversary of the official opening. With all taps $3 each from 3 pm til midnight, live music from 8:30-11 pm by The Soul Rebels Brass Band (an 8 piece New Orleans Brass Band), and a forecast of beautiful weather, you do not want to miss this party. They are planning on having 68 different kegs to tap up, including an outside bar with 2 kegs and some local craft brews in cans.

Congratulations to Brett and all of his staff for becoming the place to be in Downtown St. Petersburg.

Cheers!

~ by Sean Nordquist on February 1, 2013.