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| downtowncrowd.com
The Burrow
Odd Colony Expands to East Hill with New Biergarten and Eatery by Madeleine Davis
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dd Colony Brewing Co. is expanding its roots with the opening of a neighborhood biergarten, cocktail lounge and kitchen called The Burrow. Located on the lower floor of the historic Sacred Heart Hospital building in East Hill, the new venue is slated to open mid December.
Longtime friends and Pensacola natives, CEO and founder Blake Foster and co-founders Brett and Beth Schweigert have worked tirelessly for the last five years to bring their ideas and dreams to fruition. After an unforeseen halt in construction, The Burrow’s setbacks will force the restaurant to open later than originally expected, as it was initially planned to open in the spring of 2023. Owners plan to keep the historic hospital’s gothic charm, while adding in some wilderness elements that align with Odd Colony’s idiosyncratic aesthetic. The Burrow will feature an 8,000 square-foot outdoor area, which will also serve as home to a cabin-esque outdoor bar.
“Our goal is to always create a uniquely immersive Odd Colony experience for our guests.”
The kitchen menu will be cultivated by Amy Potmesil, a community culinary celebrity in Pensacola, who has ties to restaurants like Union Public House, The Well and The Nest General Store. Potmesil has been hosting pop-ups featuring potential menu items at Odd Colony’s original downtown location until The Burrow’s official grand opening later this month. “The food program will be elevated fast casual, synchronized harmoniously with our brewing ethos by utilizing local agriculture and creating a true sense of place. There will be a large tapas style menu, handhelds and some elevated evening offerings,” Foster said. There are also plans to reveal a unique brunch menu in the near future. Assistant General Manager and Bar Lead Erin Cuneo has hand-crafted a cocktail menu that is only available at The Burrow. Customers enjoy some of Odd Colony’s signature brews, but The Burrow will have a small brewing system that will offer a handful of new beers for their patrons to try.
Foster expressed Odd Colony’s excitement for this new adventure. “Our entire team loves the outdoors. Being able to enjoy a meal, beer, cocktail, or glass of wine in the fresh air is something we have not had downtown. Also, adding the element of an in-house kitchen