Baldwin Park to get brewery

Tactical Brewing Company has signed a 10-year lease to open a brewery on New Broad Street in Orlando’s Baldwin Park community, according to BishopBeale.

The microbrew has grown a grassroots following after winning competitions at local beer festivals and “bar takeovers,” stated owner Doug Meyer. Most recently, the brewer won the People’s Choice award for favorite beer at the Downtown Orlando Beer Festival. The brewery’s name comes from Meyer’s background as a Rifleman in the Marine Corps.

“We are thoroughly excited to call Baldwin Park home and to showcase our dedication to camaraderie and excellent beer,” said Meyer, who received his undergrad and graduate degree in business from the University of Central Florida.

Plans for Tactical Brewing Company follow new brewery startups in Sanford, Longwood, downtown Orlando, Winter Garden and Parramore. Growth in the industry has also driven legislative momentum as new brewers and distillers seek to enter a heavily regulated industry dominated by corporate brands.

Craft beer now accounts for 12.5 percent of national beer sales, according to the Brewers Association. The number of craft breweries tripled in Florida between 2011 and 2015, now totaling more than 150. That includes 17 in Central Florida.

Meyer leased 3,657 square feet of retail space on the main thoroughfare of Baldwin Park earlier this week. Rob Richmond and Jay Strates, of BishopBeale, represented Meyer on the commercial real estate lease.