CROOKED CAN BREWING CO.
When Jared Czachorowski first saw what would become Plant St. Market, it was a mustard yellow, blighted apartment complex.
Czachorowski, along with Andrew Sheeter and Robert Scott, took another look at the building after a vacation in Colorado. That trip, particularly a visit to Oskar Blues Brewery, inspired them to open Crooked Can Brewing Co. in Winter Garden.
The trio took a chance on the property and developed what would become a focal point in historic downtown Winter Garden. While they wanted to bring craft-beer culture to Central Florida, they had another mission in mind, as well.
“Our goal was to bring a social gathering place, kind of a hub for the community,” Czachorowski said.
The market boasts eateries that serve everything from coal-fired pizza to sushi along with places to pick up coffee, meat and baked goods.
They wanted to be more than a warehouse with beer, Czachorowski said. The trio looked at bringing in businesses that would take care of the market’s other offerings, allowing the brewery to focus on its beers.
“People aren’t going to come back if the beer doesn’t taste good,” he said.
Crooked Can’s lineup has expanded since the pre-Plant St. Market days of being brewed and tested in Czachorowski’s garage. The company’s classic brews can be found almost anywhere in Florida — and the owners are looking to add other taprooms and concepts.
“The beer is kind of at the heart of it,” Czachorowski said.