2 popular Florida breweries opening locations in downtown Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando’s brewery scene just got a bit bigger, with two new breweries opening in downtown.

DeLand’s Persimmon Hollow Brewing Company opened its new location Monday near Lake Eola.

READ: Bar set high for Florida bars, breweries reopening as state agents prepare for social distancing enforcement

Located in the former Panera Bread, the new brewery and taproom overlooks the northeast corner of Lake Eola Park.

The DeLand-based brewery was started in 2014 by two friends, Andy Sistrunk and Robbie Carelli. The idea was born from their love for home brewing.

“We would have people hanging out at the house every weekend drinking beer and eating food, so this seemed like a natural progression,” Sistrunk said.

READ: Florida bars reopen at 50% capacity, to be monitored by state

Sistrunk said that while the coronavirus pandemic has slowed down opening plans, he hopes to have their “half-grand opening" soon.

He said the brewery will offer many of the well-known beers from the DeLand taproom and will also offer brews only available at the Lake Eola location.

Check out some of the construction photos here.

Across downtown, another taproom is taking shape.

Motorworks Brewing, of Bradenton, also announced plans to expand to the Orlando market last year.

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Just like the Bradenton location, the new taproom on North Orange Avenue is situated in a former car dealership

In a statement on the company’s website, sales and marketing director and two-time UCF alumnus Barry Elwonger explained why Orlando is the right choice.

“Orlando is like a second home, and we’re excited to expand our efforts within downtown’s emerging entertainment scene,” Elwonger said.

The new taproom and eatery is holding a soft opening Wednesday Sept. 23.

Video: Bar set high for Florida bars, breweries reopening as state agents prepare for social distancing enforcement The bar is high for Florida bars and breweries as they reopen across the state.