By admin 
A local taproom or brewery becomes a beloved part of the community.
That’s actually somewhat rare in the United States where we don’t have a tradition of village pubs. There are some bars that fill that role becoming someplace where friends and neighbors come together.
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A really good neighborhood bar becomes a place where people bring their families, fall in love, and celebrate life’s big moments.
When a community loses that, it can be devastating. It’s very hard to replace a bar, or pub that has become a de facto community center.
Real life may not have bars like “Cheers,” but a good neighborhood tavern becomes a place where everybody knows your name. Losing that means more than when another Hooters or TGI Fridays closes.
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Sure, everyone has their favorite place and the loss of any popular business can be a blow, but local pubs build connections with and between passengers unlike any other kind of business. It’s just different to be a regular at one of these local businesses than to be known by the bartender at Chilis.
The post-Covid period has been dark for local breweries, taprooms, and pubs, and that devastation has continued.
Image source: Shutterstock
Big Storm Brewing caught in a storm
When many businesses close or file for bankruptcy, it’s solely on the merits of the business. That’s not the case for Big Storm Brewing, which has been pulled down due to the financial woes of Boston Finance Group, which is owned by Big Storm partner Leo Govoni.
A 2024 lawsuit alleged from 2009 to 2020, Govoni misappropriated over $100 million from special needs trusts, which are specialized irrevocable trusts established for the elderly and people with disabilities.
That does not directly speak to the operations of the brewery and distillery which have a long history (at least by the standards of local breweries).
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“Founded in 2012, Big Storm Brewing Co. has embraced our tagline of ‘Florida Craft Beer Forecast’ by developing a dynamic lineup of Florida favorites like Tropic Pressure Golden Ale, steeped with hibiscus flowers, and Bromosa Tangerine IPA, brewed with all-natural tangerine puree,” the company shared on its website.
Big Storm also added a distillery to complement its regionally-sold beers, and to sell in its multiple taprooms.
“In 2020, Big Storm Distillery was born with a mission to create world-class spirits with a local flair. Our Big Storm team are innovators at heart, always pushing boundaries, and not afraid to take risks. With a commitment to exceptional customer service, dedication to quality products, and the ambition to explore opportunities left unexplored, Big Storm has become a leader in the craft beer industry and beyond,” the company added.
Big Storm assets added to Bankruptcy
While the fate of Big Storm had been unclear, its assets were transferred to a bankruptcy trustee by a federal bankruptcy court on June 5. That took control away from Govoni and put it in the hands of the trustee.
Judge Roberta Colton found Govoni and Boston Financial Group liable for the missing $100 million as well as $20 million in interest.
Big Storm has not closed its Clearwater, Fla taproom and its fate remains unclear.
The court’s actions put Big Storm Brewing under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, but under control of a trustee and not Govoni.
The court could decide that the company has more value as a going concern than it does being sold off for parts. If that proves true, then it’s more likely to be sold to an operator that wants to keep producing its beers and spirits.
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Big Storm has been very clear in its mission.
“We’re here to offer more than just a drink; we’re sharing a slice of the Florida lifestyle with you, wherever you might be. Our mission? To transform each sip into a sun-drenched experience, a celebration of Floridian culture and zest. Our creations aren’t just products; they’re invitations to embrace the laid-back, sunny essence of Florida,” it posted on its website.
Big Storm’s operations have continued and it still sells beer and spirits regionally and locally. It’s likely to continue operating as long as it’s seen as a positive to the estate.