Brew business in Bradenton plans 30 hires

BRADENTON — Manatee County officials approved a performance-based incentives package for a full-production craft brewery, taproom and beer garden near downtown Bradenton.

The business, Motorworks Brewing, could add 30 new jobs over the next five years, according to a Bradenton Area Economic Development Corp. release. Manatee County commissioners approved $30,000 in incentives if the company hires 30 people over five years at or above 115% of the local area annual wage of $35,633. The project, located between the new downtown Riverwalk and McKechnie Field, spring home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, was also approved by the city of Bradenton, according to the release.

“Motorworks Brewing is poised to become part of the exciting story of Bradenton's revitalization,” Bradenton Area Economic Development Corp. President and CEO Sharon Hillstrom says in a release. “The EDC was able to bring together all the players who were essential to helping this business locate in Bradenton and invest in our community.”

The brewery, owned by local entrepreneurs Denise and Frank Tschida, will be located in an existing building at 1014 9th St. W. The Tschidas are purchasing the property, according to the release. “In addition to a full-production brewery eventually distributing product across the United States,” says Denise Tschida, “we plan to create a tourist destination featuring brewery tours, a taproom for tasting and a beer garden.”

The Tschidas plan to open the taproom this spring, the release states, with the brewery operation following by the fall.