Australian brewpub opens in former Lucky Dill space in downtown St. Pete
By Breanne Williams
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Published: Jun 8, 2022

Crafty Hospitality has opened an Australian brewpub on Central Avenue in St. Petersburg, making this the third venue the company has brought to the downtown block.

The brewpub, called Where’s Jubes, was created by Josh Cameron, owner of Crafty Hospitality. Crafty Hospitality owns and operates The Oyster Bar and Crafty Squirrel in downtown St. Pete as well as Our Bar in North Kenwood and A Mano Italian Ristorante in Edgemoor.

Cameron hired PJ Callaghan Construction to restore the 100-year-old building at 277 Central Ave., which used to be home to Lucky Dill Deli. The restaurant’s name came from a nickname Cameron received from his staff.

The restaurant will be rolled out in three phases due to supply chain delays. The first phase will feature craft beer and craft cocktails; phase two will have Aussie-inspired beers brewed by Cameron, and phase three will launch the food service.

The company describes the interior of Where's Jubes as "a modern, industrial buildout but with the warmth of Boston’s Cheers."

The 1,600-square-foot restaurant has four brew tanks. Cameron, an Australian restaurateur who moved to St. Pete in 2013, has partnered with Australian brewer Brian Watson to create unique beers. Watson created the SmartBrew System, which makes the high gravity wort — the liquid extracted during the mashing process in brewing — used in the beers.

Breweries then finish the process with their own twists. At Where's Jubes, the core menu includes Bong Bong Hazy IPA, Cocklebiddy Porter, Koolanooka Red Lager and Pleasure Point Light Pale Ale, according to the website.

Where’s Jubes had a soft-opening on June 7. Its formal grand opening reception will be June 15 and include tastings and giveaways.