A Fernandina Beach craft cidery, believed to be the first in the Jacksonville area when it opened nearly three years ago, has a new owner with plans for the future.
A1A Cidery closed its public taproom at 230 S. 8th St. on April 28, but will keep making and distributing its popular ciders. The space is being renovated to become the brick-and-mortar home of Philly Boyz Cheesesteaks, Nassau County’s original cheesesteak operation for 18 years.
“A1A Cidery is not closing. We will continue to produce cider, but the taproom and rebranding will happen as Philly Boyz moving forward,” Joe Zimmerman, the new owner and Philly Boyz founder, told the Times-Union on April 29.
A1A Cidery and Philly Boyz announced the news on April 28 on their respective Facebook pages. Each thanked customers and the community for their unwavering support.
“It has been an absolute honor pouring for you, celebrating with you, and being a small part of so many of your memories. From the bottom of our hearts — thank you. Every pint, every visit, every kind word meant the world to us,” the cidery said in its farewell post.
“This isn’t goodbye — it’s a handoff to the next great chapter,” the cidery’s post read. “We can’t think of better hands to carry on the spirit of this place.”
Zimmerman said they’re hoping to open Philly Boyzz at the cidery by the end of the year.
“A1A Cidery is a great local business here in Fernandina,” said Zimmerman, noting that he and the cidery’s now-previous owner had “a great working and personal relationship for a long time.”
“So, at this point, he was just ready for a change, and he made me the unique offer to purchase A1A Cidery,” Zimmerman said. “It represents an opportunity for us to put a brick-and-mortar Philly Boyz into Fernandina Beach.”
Philly Boyz started in Fernandina Beach in 2008. Back then, it was a tiny brick-and-mortar shop beside the landmark Palace Saloon in the heart of the Fernandina Beach historic district.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Philly Boyz switched to food trucks. It currently has four operating from Jacksonville north to Camden County in Southeast Georgia, he said.
“I feel honored at the ability to continue the legacy of both businesses,” he said, adding that A1A Cidery and Philly Boyz each have strong roots in Fernandina Beach.
He said the Philly Boyz food trucks will continue operating and the new brick-and-mortar restaurant will offer an expanded menu.
Right now, they’re focused on cheesesteaks and fries. But they probably will add other sandwiches, as well as cannolis and other desserts.
Zimmerman said most of the renovations will be cosmetic to the taproom.
He offered a heartfelt thank you to the cidery team “for the incredible years they poured into this space and for passing the torch with such grace.”
Doug Engle of the Times-Union contributed to this report.
Teresa Stepzinski is the dining reporter for the Times-Union. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @TeresaStepz or reach her via email at tstepzinski@jacksonville.com.
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This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: A1A Cidery sold. What’s next for popular Fernandina Beach craft cidery?
Reporting by Teresa Stepzinski, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union / Florida Times-Union
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