On Wednesday, December 14, 2022, Props Brewery announced via social media that their Downtown Fort Walton Beach location will close on January 4, 2023.
As part of FDOT’s Brooks Bridge Replacement project, numerous parcels, businesses and buildings were acquired by FDOT as part of the right-of-way acquisition phase of the bridge project.
As previously reported, Props Brewery has been affected by the upcoming Brooks Bridge project due to their location within the Paradise Pointe shopping center and proximity to the bridge. FDOT’s demolition contractor recently removed a front portion of the unit occupied by Props.
Props has been in that location for 11 years now and owner Nate Vannatter previously expressed that they had no desire to leave downtown Fort Walton Beach. After looking at various location and kicking around ideas, they approached the City of Fort Walton Beach about leasing the old Venture Hive location at The Landing.
- However, after a lengthy discussion in September, the council voted no to leasing the parcel to Props.
“We would like to thank everyone that has supported us over the years at this location,” wrote Vannatter on Facebook. “The restaurant business is not easy, especially for couple of guys that knew nothing about it. Please come see us once more before we shut the doors.”
In the announcement, Props also announced that they would be opening a new location but kept quiet on the details. The brewery will keep their regular hours and specials until they close on January 4th.
December 16: 16th Anniversary Party with $2 beers all day, every style.
January 3: Last Trivia Night. They will be giving away some memorabilia and big prizes.
January 4: The Last Day.
- “We chose to close on a Wednesday to celebrate our Regulars from the “Regulars Club,” said Vannatter. “All day, everyone enjoys $1 beers and a bunch of different drink specials. The “Regulars” can take their mug with them, or the next day it will be transferred to the Lovejoy Brewery.”
“This journey over the last 11 years has been amazing, so thank you to all of our supporters, patrons, and even our critics,” he said.
