After more than a decade of crafting beloved brews, Cycle Brewing is set to shut its doors in St. Petersburg, Florida. Founder Doug Dozark recently made the announcement on X, marking the end of an era for one of the city's pioneering craft breweries. The iconic spot will soon transform into a British-themed Green Turtle Brewery. This decision reflects broader challenges within the beer industry, including declining production and shifting consumer preferences.
Back in 2009, the journey of what would become Cycle Brewing began quietly in Gulfport. On weekends, Dozark brewed experimental batches in his mother’s restaurant kitchen while honing his skills at Cigar City Brewing. By 2013, Cycle had officially established itself in St. Petersburg, captivating locals with its innovative creations like Rare Dos, Cream and Sugar, Crank, and its whimsical "Days of the Week"-inspired beers. These offerings quickly became staples among enthusiasts, solidifying Cycle's reputation as a cornerstone of the local brewing scene.
The brewery now finds itself at a crossroads as it prepares to transfer its lease at 534 Central Avenue to the incoming Green Turtle concept. With this transition comes the sale of not only the brewing equipment but also the taproom and bar fixtures. For many, this marks the conclusion of a vibrant chapter in St. Petersburg's craft beer history.
Industry analysts point to a downturn in the craft beer sector as a contributing factor to Cycle's closure. According to the Brewers Association, 2024 marked the first decline in the number of operating craft breweries nationwide since 2005. The total count fell from 9,747 in 2023 to 9,680 in 2024. Both large-scale and small-batch beer producers have reported reduced sales over the past year. In interviews and social media appearances, Dozark expressed that the appeal of traditional craft brewing methods has waned significantly, leaving him disillusioned about the future of the industry.
Despite the impending closure, Dozark plans to continue selling his renowned barrel-aged selections through a retail outlet. Fans of Cycle Brewing can look forward to acquiring these limited-edition offerings even after the taproom ceases operations. However, Dozark remains tight-lipped about his next steps following this monumental change.
As Cycle Brewing draws its final curtain, it leaves behind a legacy of creativity and passion that shaped the craft beer community in St. Petersburg. While the physical space may evolve, the memories and impact of its contributions will endure long into the future.