‘Feels like it’s rapidly changing:’ Another Five Points business is leaving the Riverside area

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A well-known tasting room and craft beer retailer is closing its doors in Five Points.

Alewife announced online they’ll be closing after October.

Neighbors are concerned the historic area will lose it’s character.

“Does it feel like the same Five Points to you?” Action News Jax Ben Ryan asked Riverside neighbor Joseph Guiffre.

“No, it doesn’t, it feels like it’s rapidly changing,” he said.

Alewife, a local taproom and craft beer retailer, announced online it won’t renew their lease after 10 years in the historic area. Riverside neighbor Joseph Guiffre said it’s tragic to see another small business go.

“It’s kind of been a community hub for a lot of people the last 10 years and its sad to see it go,” Guiffre said.

This marks at least the third business in Five Points to close in just the last few months, from SunRay Cinema to Mixed Fillings Pie Shop.

“I think Jacksonville that has always been a pro-business city needs to look at itself and decide whether or not it’s a pro-business city for all, or just for most money from investors,” he said.

Jacksonville City Council member, Jimmy Peluso oversees the district, he said his main concern is making sure new tenants aren’t big box stores.

“I’m not so concerned we won’t find new tenants; I just want to make sure those new tenants are people who are respectful of the community and the cool funky vibe of Five Points,” he said. “Our Mayor wants to make Jacksonville the small business capital of the United States and I think we have that capability in us.

Alewife’s post said it would like to see another beer related business take its spot.

For Guiffre, he wants any business as long as it’s a small local business.

“I’d love to see a locally owned small business, no matter what it is,” he said.

Councilman Peluso also said while some are leaving, others are coming in, citing a new pizza shop and a new taco spot taking over Black Sheep’s location. He said it’s crucial to always support the small businesses already here and that come in down the line.