Wellen Park Marketplace expands offering with Ace Hardware and Mr Brews Taphouse

VENICE, Fla. (Feb. 21, 2022) – Ace Hardware and Mr Brews Taphouse are coming to the Marketplace plaza in Wellen Park.

“Wellen Park was envisioned to offer a variety of businesses for the convenience of Wellen Park residents, as well as visitors and people who work here,” said Rick Severance, president of Wellen Park. “We’re excited to introduce Ace Hardware and Mr Brews to the growing array of retail and dining opportunities in Wellen Park.”

Expected to open by the end of 2022, the Wellen Park Ace Hardware is the second Venice location for Chandler Short, who said his Jacaranda Boulevard store attracts a lot of Wellen Park’s residents.

“We deliver 10 grills a week over there,” he says. “Ace’s motto is about being the neighborhood store and that really fits the vision of Wellen Park. It’s an amazing spot and will be good for the area, which is really growing. It’s a great opportunity because there are a lot of people moving here.”

Located on an outparcel at the Publix-anchored shopping center, the freestanding Ace Hardware fronting U.S. 41 will boast approximately 8,000 square feet of retail space. In addition to the basics, Short will also offer merchandise geared to the local market – everything from shark tooth sifters, fishing shirts, beach gear and Venice-themed apparel. He also plans to offer locally made items, including honey and beach wagons.

Midwesterners know Mr Brews for its gourmet burgers and large selection of beer on tap. The Marketplace restaurant is only the second Florida location for the Wisconsin-based company. Owner Brad Potts expects to offer 65 draft beers, including Florida IPAs and craft brews from local microbreweries.

“Mr Brews is a great fit for Wellen Park,” said Potts. “It will be the place to go for a great burger and cold beer, to hang out before and after a spring training game, and to watch sports on our TVs.”

The family-friendly restaurant, next to Dunkin Donuts, will have seating for 150 within 2,700 square feet, and offer indoor and outdoor dining and a full-service bar.

Mr Brews specializes in customizable burgers, ground fresh from certified Hereford beef, with favorites like the Kentucky Bourbon Classic and the Jalapeño Popper. It also offers comfort foods like grilled cheese, mac ‘n’ cheese and homemade soups.

The restaurant is expected to open this summer.

Construction also continues on new single-family and multifamily homes, neighborhoods and additional amenities at Wellen Park, named the No. 6 top-selling master-planned community in the U.S. for 2021 by prominent real estate consulting firm RCLCO. Wellen Park offers a vibrant mix of residential, commercial and recreational options. The community currently has approximately 9,000 residents and at full build-out will have more than 50,000 residents and 22,500 homes.

The first phase of Downtown Wellen, the vibrant gathering place for both the community and larger region, is anticipated for completion during the fourth quarter of 2022. Featuring retail shops, waterfront dining, and offices, the mixed-use downtown was designed with wellness in mind and offers pedestrian-friendly streets and public community spaces, a grand lawn and an 80-acre lake for fishing and paddle sports. A 2.8-mile trail circles the lake, creating opportunities for biking, walking and running. The future lakefront also has an outfitter offering kayak and paddleboard rentals from a floating dock.

Unique destinations include Solis Hall, a venue for intimate recitals and concerts, events, community gatherings, weddings and celebrations. Nature-inspired features like a children’s playground blending into its surroundings and a hammock grove with a lounge area under a nearly 100-year-old heritage oak tree connect visitors with the outdoors and provide spots for rest and relaxation. Wellen Park’s wellness focus is holistic and practical, designed to give residents greater opportunities to connect with one another, take care of themselves and encourage a healthy and active lifestyle, all within an inclusive, genuine community vibe.

For more information about living at Wellen Park, call 941-229-7124, go to wellenpark.com or visit the Welcome Center at 12275 Mercado Drive in Venice, Fla. The Welcome Center is open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Sunday, 12 p.m.-5 p.m.

Contact:
Jennifer Hamilton, Gravina, Smith, Matte & Arnold Marketing and PR, 239-275-5758, [email protected]