Intuition Ale Works owner Ben Davis announced April 25 on social media that he plans to sell the Downtown brewery.
Davis founded the company in 2010 and was an early participant in the craft brewery scene in Northeast Florida.
The first brewery was at 720 King St. in Riverside. In 2016, he moved the operation to the former Noland Building at 929 E. Bay St. To operate the brewery and restaurant, he tripled his staff.
The Facebook post read in part: “When I opened Intuition almost fifteen years ago, I never could have imagined what it would become. I wanted to create a brewery that brought something meaningful to my hometown and create a place where friends, families, and folks from all walks of life could come together and share the experience of drinking great local beer. I truly believe that we have achieved that.”
The post said Davis intends to continue operations uninterrupted while finding a buyer.
“In the meantime, nothing changes. We’ll keep brewing as much beer as we can, the taproom will remain the place to be before downtown events, and we’ll continue filling The Bier Hall with live music.”
He is looking for like-minded buyers who want to continue the business and its model.
“I have taken Intuition as far as I can. We are actively seeking buyers that will maintain our company values and culture, while leading Intuition into a new era.”
In 2012, Intuition became the first craft brewery in Florida to can and distribute its beer. The Intuition brand is for sale at grocery stores, liquor stores, convenience stores, bars and restaurants.
The five beers first distributed were People Pale Ale, Jon Boat Coast Ale, I-10 IPA, King Street Stout and Easy on the Eyes, another IPA.
Before craft beer, Davis was in the wine business having his own California-based label, Tallulah, that had four vintages and was distributed in 20 states. After selling the wine brand and returning to Jacksonville, he bought The Grotto, a San Marco wine bar.
Besides providing the space to increase beer production, the Noland Building at Bay Street and A. Philip Randolph Boulevard gave Intuition Ale Works a special location.
He told the Daily Record in 2016 that the location reminded him of beer halls and bars near sports arenas and fields in cities like Boston and Chicago.
“Here, it’s like you come Downtown to tailgate or just go into the game,” he said of the Jaguars game day experience before opening in the Sports Complex.
Intuition Ale Works is within walking distance of VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, VyStar Ballpark and EverBank Stadium.