After hosting an Accelerate event at its venue last month, What Now Jacksonville recently caught up with Jeremy Baker, co-owner of Grace Note Brewing, located at 4591 Lakeside Dr, Ste 108, to learn more about his journey into the craft beer world and what makes his brewery stand out.
Baker didn’t always know he wanted to own a business, but the idea grew naturally over time. “Owning a business seemed like a logical step for me once I felt like I had taken my career as far as it could go with my previous employer,” he tells What Now in an exclusive interview. “I started on a fairly large system with a focus on production, but along the way I fell in love with small batch, pub-style brewing.”
The inspiration for Grace Note Brewing comes from Baker’s dual passions: “The idea for Grace Note came from my two passions in life, music and beer, and my desire to combine the two. I was a musician before I was a brewer, and I find a lot of similarities and parallels between making music and making beer.”
Since opening just over a year ago, the journey has come with its ups and downs. “This is a tough time for the beer industry, and especially the craft beer portion. We have only been open for a year and a half, so we have regular startup struggles alongside the industry issues, but we are confident in our product and hopeful for the future. If we continue to gain exposure and visibility, so people are aware of what we do and where we are, I think they will continue to come back. We are gaining a strong sense of community within our neighborhood and amongst our regulars in hopes of becoming a local watering hole.”
Opening a business came with its fair share of challenges, especially logistical ones. “The most challenging thing about opening is the unforeseen delays and setbacks that inevitably occur. It’s a lot of hurry up, then wait type situations.”
But the rewards make it all worthwhile. “The most rewarding part is when you can finally open your doors to the public and share something with your friends and family that means so much to you.”
Grace Note Brewing isn’t just a brewery—it’s a creative hub. Started by two longtime friends and bandmates, it reflects a shared love of music and community. Located at the Sadler Point Marina, the brewery is accessible by boat and offers events such as open mic nights, trivia, and “Name That Tune,” as well as clubs for both runners and readers.
To learn more about Grace Note Brewing and see their event calendar, visit www.gracenote.beer or follow them on social media @gracenotebrewing.
