One of the missions of the Springfield Area Merchants and Business Association (“SAMBA”) is to “promote civic pride and awareness of Springfield’s assets, particularly those of the business community, through marketing, fundraising and cultural participation.” Through a number of business commitments and community spirit, Springfield — the urban neighborhood just north of downtown Jacksonville with Main Street as its epicenter — has seen a recent resurgence and renewed vitality.
SAMBA invites the public to attend a free networking event “Welcome to Springfield,” hosted by Hyperion Brewing Company, on Tuesday, August 1, from 6-9pm. Representatives from established businesses in the area, as well as those which intend to set up shop in Springfield, will be in attendance to meet and mingle with each other and the public in a friendly get-together. Hyperion Brewing, which opened on Main Street in May, is offering $1 off its house-crafted beers (your choice of pints or shorter-sized beer flights) during the event.
In addition to Hyperion Brewing, several businesses have recently opened in Springfield, including Social Grounds Coffee and The Block Skate Supply. Main & Six Brewing Company is planning to open in the Fall, and Strings Sports Brewery recently made news following its acquisition of a building also on Main Street. Different types of businesses are in the footprint, with a number of professional and trade services companies also calling Springfield home.
Alexandra McKeown, Owner of Hyperion Brewing, sums up the collaborative spirit within the district. “The neighborhood has always been supportive of ‘local.'” She adds,”Hyperion has been welcomed with open arms by the historic neighborhood of Springfield. We already have regulars, and a lot of those same faces are the ones we saw in the rezoning meetings to support us.” The brewery takes pride in its efforts to “include the community in what we’re doing and support [their] events and organizations. … It feels like a bond is being formed with mutual trust. It’s one of the coolest parts of our work so far — working with the community in Springfield.”
The public is encouraged to attend “Welcome to Springfield” for an evening of camaraderie and to show support for both the current and new businesses in the area. Although admission to the event itself is free of charge, organizers request an RSVP. Hyperion Brewing Company is located at 1740 N. Main Street, Jacksonville.
Cheers,
Linda Johnson, Certified Cicerone®
Covering Florida’s Beer Scene, and locally around Jacksonville/North Florida
