Craft brewer buys former Melting Pot site on 4th Street
By Margie Manning
Catalyst
Published: Apr 1, 2021

The building that formerly housed The Melting Pot in St. Petersburg has a new owner.

Leaders of Mad Beach Craft Brewing Management Co. LLC bought the property at 2221 4th St. N. in a deal that closed Wednesday, Matthew Powers, CEO of Mad Beach Brewing, told the St. Pete Catalyst.

Powers and the managing chef from Mad Beach Brewing, Tyson Williams, plan a full brewery and restaurant at the site. Unlike Mad Beach Brewing, which attracts a lot of tourists, the new site will cater more to local neighborhood residents, Powers said.

It will have a different name than Mad Beach Brewing as well, but he hasn’t yet settled on the new brand.

Powers expects it will be nine months to a year before the new restaurant and brewery opens, following renovations and upgrades.

The Melting Pot, a restaurant known for its fondue dining, closed nearly a year ago following a state ban on dine-in service. The Covid-19 pandemic accelerated the decision to sell the property.

The building has been home to several restaurants. It originally housed The Earl Gresh Wood Parade, a combination museum, workshop and gift shop that was a top St. Petersburg attraction. It was built in the 1930s by Earl Gresh, an orchestra leader, race boat champion, fisherman, woodcarver and crafter.

The 7,600 square foot property was listed for sale on Loopnet for $1.6 million. The purchase price was not immediately available.