A new concept of Australian brewery, “Where’s Jubes” Aussie Brewpub & Grill is under construction and is expected to open in late August, according to a statement from Evolve & Co. The brewery is located at 277 Central Ave in the former Lucky Dill Deli location.

When Australian-born restaurateur Josh Cameron noticed the Lucky Dill Deli on the corner of 3rd Street and Central Avenue in downtown St. Petersburg, he was taken back to his homeland of New Wales from South, where many pubs are historic two-story buildings filled with character.

This represents a rebirth on the block. New businesses have populated Block 200 to create a unique experience at every door. Sauvignon adds exquisite Italian cuisine to the region, while Pour Judgment offers the world’s first handcrafted shot bar ‘Burg.

Where’s Jubes has been in the works for years for Josh Cameron

Cameron bought the deli in 2018 with the dream of opening his own Australian Brew Pub. Cameron, director of Crafty Hospitality, also purchased The Oyster Bar – one of the oldest restaurants in downtown St. Pete – and recently reinvented the location of the old Fortunato into the popular Crafty Squirrel. .

For about a year, the deli has been vacant while permits are pending. Cameron selected PJ Callaghan, a fourth-generation commercial and industrial construction company, to take on the restoration project for the century-old building while bringing his vision of an Australian brewery to life.

The 1,600 square foot pub will feature repurposed Australian poplar, industrial steel, four brew tanks and plenty of outdoor lounges.

“It’s a modern industrial building but with the warmth of Boston’s Cheers,” Cameron says. At Crafty Hospitality, our culture is customer-centric. Warm hospitality and a sense of familiarity for our customers is what we strive for.

Bringing Australian burgers to downtown St. Pete

Cameron commissioned local ad agency Evolve & Co to develop the brand with modern typography, personalized artwork by Jubes himself, and a cheeky brand voice. To tell the story of “Where’s Jubes”, the agency conducted a series of interviews to uncover Cameron’s childhood nickname “Jubes” and his busy schedule of running multiple restaurants and a family make him something. little elusive, which leads many to wonder: where is Jubes? It’s also a play about Where’s Charlie, as Cameron reveals.

“Building this brand has been an honor and an adventure. It was crucial to convey Jubes’ personality through the brand’s voice and visuals, and it was definitely the most fun the creative team had on any brand development project, ”said Lisa. Williams, President of Evolve & Co. “We were also able to collaborate with incredibly talented illustrator Sarah Sheppard for a personalized Jubes illustration that will be presented creatively throughout the brand and interior.

An overview of Where’s Jubes food menu

Food menu development is underway in the test kitchen, but here are some highlights:

Rosemary and balsamic ribs: balsamic & rosemary braised, simmered & sautéed

Australian burger: beef patty, bacon, cheese, egg, caramelized onion, marinated beets, tomato and lettuce

Grilled prime rib: garlic purée, asparagus, burnt brown butter and thyme

Beer breaded quarters: sweet pepper potato, sour cream and chives

Date pudding: served with bourbon ice cream

A beer lover’s paradise in the city center

Partnering with award-winning Australian brewer Brian Watson, Cameron has spent the past year importing and perfecting malts, hops and barley using SmartBrew technology. He plans to open with eight to twelve grape varieties, brewing eighty to one hundred barrels per week. Paying homage to Australia, Cameron has marked his beers as tributes to his birthplace. The infusions will be served in a personalized ten and twenty ounce glassware.