Cheers to family of beer lovers
Popular pub’s patrons still pop by to pick up packaged drinks
Amy Drew: The Nook offers variety of craft beers to fill your needs on National Local Beer Lover’s Day.
Mary McGinn, 29, is the co-owner of the Nook on Robinson (2432 E. Robinson St. in Orlando; 407-906-6675 or thenookonrobinson.square.site/). Little, local and loaded down with phenomenal craft beer, the neighborhood pub has cultivated an impressive following since opening its doors in 2018.
But McGinn didn’t come to the beer biz by accident. By the time the Nook poured its first pint, she’d spent seven years at Orlando Brewing — the only brewery in town back when she was hired — and worked just about every job one could. Some of them — bartender, social media manager and event coordinator — sound kinda glam, but the first time I met McGinn, she was wearing what looked like clamming waders and pushing a floor squeegee.
At the time, her title was “publicist.”
“The Central Florida beer community is special because there is so much collaboration and camaraderie,” says McGinn. “There isn’t the scarcity mindset that many other industries have. Beer fests feel like family reunions without the drama.”
“People in Orlando look out for each other,” she says.
It was her opinion before the coronavirus dropped a bomb on Florida’s bars and breweries, but it’s also what’s been proven since.
The Nook’s business model revolved around events — movie nights, themed parties, art releases, comedy shows, live music from hip hop to experimental synth and literary readings (McGinn also is a poet).
“Since COVID-19, we’ve had to pivot into a package store,” McGinn explains. “The profit margins are lower, and we sell significantly less volume, however, the response from our community has been so heartwarming. Many of our friends and fans come out to support on a regular basis. So many give us words of encouragement on social media…”
They’ve also opened their wallets for the cool merchandise the Nook has dropped since the big shut down. And McGinn and her partners are trying hard to launch food — the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation-mandated hurdle that’s been plaguing so many bar and brewery owners as COVID’s economic effects continue to tighten, noose-like. McGinn foresees a socially distanced patio space where patrons can once again enjoy on-premise consumption.
But for now, things continue to be tough, which is why the Nook is eager to help Orlando celebrate National Local Beer Lover’s Day — coming up on Sept. 7.
Yeah, I’m taking liberties with this one.
You could do worse than suggestions curated by the likes of McGinn, which will not only support her business but the Orlando- and Florida-local breweries on her list. Pop into the Nook and stock your pandemic beer fridge with the good stuff.
Can’t pick one? You don’t have to.
The Nook’s beers are all individually priced. You can mix and match to your liver’s content. Need more motivation? Their usual special — $4 off a mixed-6 — is headed up to $6 for “Local” Beer Lover’s Day (Monday, Sept. 7) only.
All these are available on the Nook’s website as well (special in-store only due to website limitations) at thenookonrobinson.square.site/ where you can also see the pub’s entire menu. Online orders will be packed and ready for pick-up at the to-go window. Full list available there, as well.
Now, read on for McGinn’s hot picks for a cool beer lover’s Labor Day weekend and stop by the Nook to pick up what could be one or more free beers.
Want to reach out? Find me on Twitter or Instagram @amydroo or on the OSFoodie Instagram account @orlando.foodie. Email: amthompson@orlandosentinel.com. Join the conversation at the Orlando Sentinel’s new Facebook forum, Let’s Eat, Orlando.