Owners of In the Loop Brewing want to expand the hours of operation and bring live music performances to their outdoor beer garden.
It’s about staying competitive in the local market and building on their success, they say.
Members of the Pasco County Planning Commission approved both requests at its June 7 meeting in New Port Richey.
The Pasco County Commission, which has the final word, is likely to consider the matter at its July 11 meeting in New Port Richey.
In the Loop opened in 2016 at 3338 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in a restored two-story home, with an on-site brewery, tap and tasting room. A landscaped beer garden, with a deck, overlooks Lake Padgett and its lakefront residences.
As approved by the planning commission, In the Loop could operate from 7 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week. Live music would be allowed from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday through Friday; and, from noon to 9 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Noise levels which currently apply to recorded music would remain the same, and also would apply to live music. Those levels are equivalent to conversational speech, background music or an air conditioner, according to comparative decibel charts.
“We want to be able to offer the same hours of other breweries,” said In the Loop co-owner Joe Traina.
The live music would be “acoustic guitar playing” – typically on weekends – that suits the relaxed atmosphere of In the Loop, he added.
“We want to be good neighbors,” Traina said.
County staff members had recommended an increase in operating hours, but not as many as the planning commission.
County staff recommended against live music.
No one spoke against the proposal at the June 7 public hearing.
In the Loop started with a friendship and a home-brewing hobby in a garage on Cherbourg Loop.
In 2016, Traina, Mark Pizzurro and Peter Abreut took the leap and opened their brewery.
Traina said they want In the Loop to be a catalyst for redevelopment in Land O’ Lakes, along U.S. 41.
“We want a nice, classy place like in Seminole Heights, in Tampa,” Traina said.
In the Loop is a destination on beer bus tours organized by Tampa Bay Brewing Tours, with headquarters on Florida Avenue in the Seminole Heights’ neighborhood.
Yoga classes are held every other Sunday in the beer garden.
Chambers of commerce and other organizations want to use the business for breakfasts, parties and special events, Traina said. Current operating hours can’t accommodate that, he said.
At present, In the Loop is closed on Monday and Tuesday. It opens at 4 p.m. on Wednesday through Saturday, and, at noon on Sunday. Current closing times are 10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 8 p.m. on Sunday.
Published June 14, 2017
