By Lulu

David and Kitty Barakat are natural entertainers, loving to host your evening out whether it is for a pint of their award-winning beer that is brewed onsite in their 15 BBL (barrel) system, a delectable meal or a party for 60 in their banquet room; Tomoka Brewing Company is eager to make your evening perfect. Kitty was born in Westchester, PA, but moved to South Daytona in the second grade, she has spent most of her life in the service industry working at the Marina Bar & Grill, Stock Exchange, Froggy’s, White Eagle and the last 18 years at One Eyed Jacks. Kitty was ready to tackle ownership of an establishment. So, with her husband by her side they dove into ownership of the Tomoka Brewing Company in Port Orange. David was born in Portville, NY and has also spent most of his life in service…in The United States Army!!! He did 2 tours in Bosnia and 5 3 tours in the Middle East. Upon retiring from 24+ years in the Army, Kitty and David made their home in Florida.

Kitty enrolled in the Culinary Management program and just received her degree; it was important to her to better understand the inner workings of her “gastro pub” kitchen. She plans on continuing her education with a Bachelors in Supervision & Management focused on Hospitality.

Their “Pub” isn’t your parents pub. The food is hand crafted, flavorful and beautiful with large portions. The pizza is made with fresh homemade dough infused with their beer, and on Wednesdays, a two topping 8-inch pizza is only $4.99. Their draft brew list is extensive with over 30 beers brewed yearly, with 20 of them on tap daily. Tomoka Brewing Company is the most award-winning brewery in the county with 9 award winning beers. Their beer is distributed through SR Perrott to many local bars including Boot Hill or can be purchased at ABC Liquor stores, Total Wine, or Publix or directly to include kegs. Their top beer Oceanside a White IPA is loved by their patrons, other favorites are Hazy Sunrise, Lunar Eclipse, Mutha Fuggle…even a Hops of Thunder, Thunder Roads Florida Magazine must love that one!!! Peter the Great is one of their high-end brews with 12% alcohol. The bar became full liquor in March and on Friday-Sunday they do themed cocktail flights for $12.95. Kitty just started having a Bloody Mary bar on Sunday’s during Brunch with 35+ treats to add to your vodka creation.

Tomoka Brewing Company offers a host of interesting evenings for their patrons, First Wednesdays they do specials for First Responders, third Wednesday the same for the military and there is even an evening for deaf patrons as David is studying to be a deaf interpreter. They are deeply involved in the community, particularly veteran causes such as the Purple Heart Society to help fund a memorial being built at Veteran’s Park by the Orange Ave. bridge and Kitty had a basket auction at their anniversary party which raised $800 for the Daytona Shores Benevolent Fund. Once a year Elvis invades Tomoka with Elvis karaoke, impersonators and a special Elvis inspired Imperial Stout, the “King” a peanut butter and banana flavored just like Elvis’ favorite sandwich!

The brewing business is ever changing and has changed in the last six years, just in Florida, the number of breweries has grown from 60 to 300! Craft beer isn’t going anywhere! Make sure to check out Tomoka Brewing Company; Kitty and David are working hard to make your time there all you could hope for. So, ride in for a cold one, come hungry and let them tell you all about the perks of becoming a Tomoka Tribe Member and leave your prints on the wall!