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World of Beer Viera closes after 15 years: Here’s what owner says led to decision

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World of Beer Viera closes after 15 years: Here’s what owner says led to decision

As the popular local craft brewery preps for permanent closure, fans of World of Beer Viera are asking why owners have decided to shutter the business.

With every closure of a much-loved store, questions and hearsay circle social media. It’s not different this time. Is the rent too high at the location? Was money mismanaged? Was it the products carried, or lack thereof? The staff?

For a firsthand response, FLORIDA TODAY spoke with owner Maribeth Liska about the decision to close World of Beer Viera after 15 years at The Avenue.

More: The Avenue Viera getting 2 new apparel retailers in 2025. We’ll tell you what they are

Career changes on the horizon

After owning two companies for a total of 23 years, the couple is looking to retire from owning their own business, said Liska, who co-owned it with her husband, Chuck.

“Owning a business is 24 hours a day — it never goes away,” said Liska.

While being available to staff is an expected part of the job, the Liskas are hoping for weekends off and quiet vacation, she said.

Why didn’t World of Beer Viera serve food?

The original business plan in Viera was for beverages only, as many World of Beers franchises carry this model. Once the pandemic hit in 2020, however, the Liskas decided to move forward with a small kitchen in the space.

That plan never came to fruition: Liska cited how the service industry changed due to COVID-19, with a dwindling number of people searching for jobs and unrealistic salary expectations from potential employees. With only light fare on the menu, the rate of pay for the output did not make financial sense, she said.

More: Is Dave & Buster’s coming to Viera? Permit filed for a business sign

Is the rent ‘too high’ at The Avenue?

Many commenters in online food groups have speculated rents are high for business owners at The Avenue.

“I’m sure there are places around that are even higher than what The Avenue is offering, as far as what the average is … we are good, just parting ways, ” Liska said.

WS Development, a Boston-based retail developer, oversees the management of The Avenue.

Did World of Beer Viera close due to corporate financial troubles?

The World of Beer corporation, WOB, saw challenges when the pandemic temporarily locked down many stores and World of Beer suffered significant financial losses. World of Beer closed 14 locations before filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in August 2024.

However, according to National Restaurant News, World of Beer has since rebounded and expects to open up to five locations annually in the next five years.

“The Chapter 11 had nothing to do with us, that only had to do with corporate — each individual franchisee was not affected at all,” Liska said.

Amber Olesen is FLORIDA TODAY’s food and dining reporter. Reach her at aolesen@floridatoday.com.

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