St. Petersburg, Florida, has emerged as a vibrant hub for craft beer enthusiasts. Among the many breweries in St. Pete, one story stands out – the tale of 3 Daughters Brewing. Born from a simple question about beer-battered fish and college funds, this brewery has become a cornerstone of the St. Pete beer scene and a testament to local entrepreneurial spirit.
The story of 3 Daughters Brewing began with Mike and Leigh Harting, owners of a successful restaurant in St. Petersburg. Their quest to perfect a craft beer battered fish recipe, in collaboration with head chef Ty Weaver, led them to experiment with their own handcrafted brews. This culinary exploration sparked an unexpected realization: their homemade beer was exceptionally popular, even outselling other beers on tap at their restaurant.
Driven by this success and the looming question of funding their three daughters’ college education, the Hartings made a bold move. They envisioned a small brewery within their restaurant but stumbled upon a much larger, industrial-scale brewing system. This discovery prompted Leigh to ask the pivotal question: “How many beers do we have to sell to put our three daughters through college?” Thus, 3 Daughters Brewing was officially established, opening its doors in December 2013 in a modest 1600 square-foot tasting room in St. Petersburg.
From these humble beginnings, 3 Daughters Brewing has experienced phenomenal growth, evolving into one of Florida’s largest independent breweries. Their original tasting room in St. Petersburg has transformed into a bustling entertainment venue, drawing over 250,000 visitors annually. This expansive warehouse space is a testament to their popularity and offers a wide range of beers and experiences.
Expanding beyond their flagship location, 3 Daughters Brewing opened a second tasting room in Clearwater Beach in March 2022. This location features its own brewing system and stunning views of the beach, providing another unique experience for beer lovers exploring breweries in St. Pete and the surrounding areas.
Further solidifying their presence, 3 Daughters Brewing launched an airport location at St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport in May 2022. Serving millions of passengers annually, this location introduces their craft beverages to a wider audience, showcasing the quality and innovation of breweries in St. Pete FL to travelers from around the globe.
The innovation spearheaded by Ty Weaver and the entrepreneurial drive of Mike Harting have propelled 3 Daughters Brewing beyond just beer. Their product range now includes award-winning ciders, seltzers, vodka + soda canned cocktails, energy drinks, and non-alcoholic beverages, alongside their own honey. Leigh Harting’s relentless sales efforts have extended the brewery’s reach across Florida, making their beverages available from Key West to the Panhandle and in major retailers, amusement parks, and restaurants throughout the state.
For anyone seeking to explore the breweries in St. Pete FL, 3 Daughters Brewing stands as a shining example of local success and craft beer excellence. Their journey from a restaurant experiment to a major Florida brewery highlights the dynamic and thriving beer scene in St. Petersburg, offering diverse and high-quality options for every palate.
