Sun King to open Florida taproom in 2022 (first outside Indiana)

Indiana-based Sun King Brewery is headed south this winter and opening up a brewery and taproom in Florida – its first outside of Indiana. Sun King Sarasota will take over the location of an existing 5,000-square-foot brewery and tap room located at 1215 Mango Ave. The plan is to open in the summer.

Sun King began distributing beer in Florida in 2017 and has found a strong following of fans who include Florida residents, snowbirds and vacationers who enjoy quenching their thirst with Sun King beers. In a short time, Florida racked-up Sun King’s strongest out-of-state sales numbers.

“We are excited to expand Sun King’s operations outside of the Hoosier state and tap into Florida, where residents of the Sunshine State have been enjoying our beers for several years,” said Sun King Co-founder and Owner Clay Robinson. “We have seen a sharp increase in sales in several areas outside of Indiana, and we look forward to building strong relationships with the people of Sarasota, brewing and sharing great beers, and contributing to the community.”

Sun King operates four taprooms in the Indianapolis metro area, one in Kokomo, Ind. and another planned in Mishawaka, Ind., this year, in addition to Sun King Sarasota.

The Sun King Sarasota Brewery and Tap Room will feature 18 taps including core beers like Sunlight Cream Ale, Keller Haze and Orange Vanilla Cream Ale, as well as seasonal and specialty beers such as Amber Has Two Moms and a rotating pastry stout, all of which have been top sellers for Sun King in Florida. Sun King plans to brew handcrafted, distinctive specialty beers specifically for Florida craft beer lovers that will feature distinct ingredients, styles and methods.

The new Sun King Sarasota Brewery and Tap Room will feature food from local food trucks, and customers will be able to purchase carry-out cans, growlers and kegs. The family-friendly facility will also feature games and activities located inside and in the large, outdoor seating area. Joe Burns, vice president of sales for Sun King, who lives nearby in Bradenton, will oversee operations for Sun King’s new location.