As commercial developments continually spring up in Plant City, Jerrod Hayes and his wife Elicia are ready to make their mark with the soon-to-come Oath Brewing Company.
An establishment that not only sells beer but shows the process in which it’s made will be something brand new to Plant City.
“I felt that the first brewery in the city’s history should be done by somebody who is from the city,” Hayes said. “I wanted to create a brewery that had that small town feel.”
The Plant City native is a veteran and also a firefighter based in Dover.
He recounted the days when the town only had a Walmart grocery store before expanding to a supersize and working as a bagger at the former Kash N’ Karry grocery store.
Now he and Elicia have an agenda to contribute to the every-growing Plant City, in 2022.
When they first came up with the concept four years ago, they wanted to purchase property in downtown. However, the couple settled on the former Masonic Lodge building on Acacia Dr., located where Reynolds Street and Thonotosassa Road merge. Not only did Hayes want to preserve the building’s historical roots, but he also saw its potential in directing others to the small businesses of downtown.
“That’s the other great thing,” he said, “geographically, where that’s located. It’s because the road leads you straight to downtown.”
Hayes also noted his vision to turn the 11,000 square-foot building into the No. 1 brewery that exemplifies patriotism to the fullest. He plans to design the inside with military equipment and memorabilia, among other features. Watertight doors from navy vessels will be used as tables and will be held in place with the use of anchor chains.
The 21 tables will represent each of the 21 ships that were either damaged or destroyed during the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack.
And a POW/MIA table will be placed in the lobby.
Hayes also plans to have the ceiling illuminated with a chandelier commemorating the lives lost on 9/11. The structure will be made of multi-colored crystals. Each level will pay homage to those who died in the Flight 93 crash in Shanksville, PA, the Pentagon, and at the World Trade Center.
The ceiling will also be decorated with patriotic fans, having blades colored red, white, and blue.
The building is expected to have a liberty bell with 16-foot airplane wings situated in front of it.
The word-of-mouth for the coming attraction has motivated others to donate items such as helmets and parachutes.
A one-of-a-kind mural will display one of our founding fathers as well as sacred U.S. documents such as the Bill of Rights and the Constitution.
And arguably the most transparent feature seen outdoors will be the proposed American flag, with a post standing at 215 feet.
“You’ll be able to see that from the interstate,” Hayes said, “and it’s going to cause people to get off the interstate.”
He also has plans to turn the building into a restaurant and offer a family-friendly environment.
“The three things that make a business are a clean atmosphere, great customer service, and a great quality product,” Hayes said.
The Oath Brewing Company will not only serve to be recreational and educational, but therapeutic as well. Hayes has a vision of making the brewery a “safe space” for veterans or first responders suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
There are plans to work with local fire departments to establish support groups, and also help veterans sign up for government benefits.
Hayes stated, “You put them around like-minded individuals, patriots, veterans, first responders – they’re going to come out. Oath will become a beacon for those individuals that find solitude in that building.”
He also plans to make veterans a part of his staff.
Hayes said he and his wife are anticipating opening their doors this October. Plans are already in the works to make the first day of business a grand ceremony.
Hayes would like the event to include bagpipers, medal of honor recipients and an appearance from the American flag that stood at Ground Zero. The flag is carried across the country typically for ceremonies.
During its brief stay, several fire departments will offer their assistance of raising the flag on the pole.
And there are other potential events on the horizon. Next year, he would like to have a beer festival at the establishment and eventually hold a Veterans’ Day parade in Plant City.
The local girl scout club has already requested to use the premises of the future brewery to sell cookies during the Florida Strawberry Festival.
And the company plans to donate to the Future Farmers of America (FFA) organization as well as local farmers.
Hayes said he would eventually like to make the Oath Brewing Company not only a household name in town, but in other areas of the country.
The brewery’s name came about because everyone has made a promise, or an oath at some point in life, Hayes stated.
It’s that one commonality that all people share, and the brewery represents that union, welcoming all.