Mastry’s Brewing Co. is preparing to raise a glass to 10 years of beer, community and growth. The brewery, located at 7701 Blind Pass Road, will officially celebrate its 10th anniversary on Oct. 10. The milestone marks a decade since Mastry’s established its St. Pete Beach home, becoming the city’s first microbrewery.
Founder and owner Matthew Dahm said the goal from the beginning was about creating a place that could become part of the community.
“The original vision was simply getting immersed in an up-and-coming community and launching our business in the community to bring something neat and fun, a gathering place for everyone,” Dahm said. “We never set a ceiling on the business. We always knew we wanted to grow and develop with our customer base.”
That customer base has become one of the most meaningful parts of the business, he said.
“We have a loyal and loving following,” Dahm said. “Some days we are just as giddy as new kids on the block.”
Dahm is a a third-generation member of the Mastry family, which has been in the St. Petersburg hospitality industry for decades.
The operation started as a nano-brewery inside C.D. Roma, a family Italian restaurant in St. Petersburg’s Tyrone area. In 2016, Mastry’s moved into its St. Pete Beach location, a former auto repair shop transformed into a brewery, taproom and outdoor gathering space.
Today, the business has grown beyond its initial concept. Mastry’s operates a five-barrel brewhouse, scratch kitchen and on-site distillery, producing beer as well as spirits including bourbon, rye and vodka. The location regularly hosts live music, trivia and other community events.
When asked when it was that he realized the business made an impact, Dahm said: “For me, it was when we started to see the regular customer and seasonal customer base that keeps coming back year after year,” he said. “They articulate that every time they come back to the area, they come to us.”
Dahm said, “The Tampa Bay area community has meant everything. It’s where our homes, friends and family are. We are allowed to work, live and play here.”
Ten years have also taught him that building a lasting business cannot be rushed.
“The biggest thing we’ve learned is patience and consistency,” Dahm said. “It takes time to build a business, an audience, and to listen to what the people really want.”
Mastry’s will celebrate its anniversary Oct. 10 with new beer releases, collaboration brews, food, live music and other activities at its St. Pete Beach brewery.