‘Here to stay.’ Motorworks Brewing responds after $2 million foreclosure lawsuit
After news broke last week that Motorworks Brewing faced a $1.9 million foreclosure lawsuit and possible eviction, its owners say that Bradenton’s first and biggest craft brewery is “here to stay.”
In an update posted to social media on Saturday, the business said it is working to resolve its money issues and will continue operating normally.
“We want to take a moment to thank everyone for the incredible support, messages and encouragement over the past few days,” the post said. “We are happy to share that we are now current with the bank and working closely together to resolve the matter going forward.”
“Motorworks Brewing is here to stay — brewing great beer, serving our community, hosting unforgettable events, and continuing to grow stronger every day,” the post continued. “Our team has been working hard behind the scenes to ensure business continues as usual, and we’re excited for everything ahead. Thank you for standing by us and supporting local.”
The post had over 900 reactions and almost 100 shares as of Monday afternoon.
Motorworks responds to foreclosure lawsuit
“Some of the best beer in the country and cool people! Great to see you sticking around,” one comment said.
“I am very happy that you are continuing on. I thought I was going to have to figure out how to make my own Mango Habanero Beer,” another said. “I love that stuff!”
Bradenton-based brewery closes Orlando location
However, the news is not so good for fans of the brewery’s Orlando taproom, which appears to be permanently closed. Last week, the business faced eviction from that location, 131 N. Orange Ave., Suite 106, after failure to pay rent, according to local news outlet Orlando Shine.
Information about the Orlando taproom no longer appears on Motorworks Brewing’s website, which now only lists three locations: Bradenton, Tampa, and Sarasota Bradenton International Airport.
The announcement from the Motorworks team that the Bradenton location will remain open comes as several other local craft breweries recently closed their doors for good.
3 Keys Brewing and Gastrobrew, 2505 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton, closed Sunday after a decade in business. And Good Liquid Brewing Company closed its downtown Bradenton location at 1008 Fourth Ave. W., Bradenton, in September after less than a year in business.
Manatee County’s other craft breweries are:
- 3 Car Garage Brewing, 3115 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. Suite 110, Bradenton (Combined taproom with Loaded Cannon Distillery)
- Corporate Ladder Brewing Company, 4935 96th St. E., Palmetto
- Flamingo Bay Brewing Co., 1910 14th St. W., Bradenton
- Good Liquid Brewing Company, 8980 U.S. 301 Unit 138, Parrish and 1570 Lakefront Drive, Sarasota (Waterside Place at Lakewood Ranch location)
- Inner Compass Brewing Company, 10316 Technology Terrace, Bradenton
- Sun Lab Brewing, 803 17th Ave. W., Bradenton
This story was originally published June 1, 2026 at 3:00 PM.