PROFILES IN BREWING
By Bobby Bush, author of "Beer & Loafing"

Franz Rothschadl, brewmaster of Hoppers Grill & Brewery
in Tampa Bay, Florida

At an early age, Franz Rothschadl was fascinated by beer. It didn't hurt
that his mother's side of the family had a lengthy brewing heritage. So
when he received a degree in biochemistry, a precursor to brewing
studies, from college in his native Austria, brewing seemed the natural
next step. But instead of following destiny, Franz became a commercial
airline pilot upon graduation, flying government and United Nation
charters.

During his tenure as a pilot Franz met Joseph Fischer, the founder of the first brewpub in Central Europe. This early 1980's encounter with the seasoned brewer/manager blossomed into a lasting personal and professional relationship. As Franz puts it, Fischer became his "beer father, beer mentor." The duo would eventually collaborate on opening a brewpub in Austria.

In 1993, a unique opportunity arose. Initiated by Vienna brewpub Otakriger, with backing from the Austrian and German governments, Franz moved to South America to open a Third World brewery. The Paraguay brewpub, called Austria 1783, brewed only lager beers, just as Herr Fischer had taught.

That venture led quickly to another. Founded in 1994 in Miami, Lagerhaus folded not long after opening. Franz readily admits that he had "no experience in doing business in the US." Later, while living in Tampa, Franz discovered Hoppers Grill & Brewery Creek in nearby Palm Harbor. The brewer had just left to start his own brewpub. Eyeing the educational experience of brewing ales and witnessing restaurant management first hand, Franz agreed to take over brewing chores.

Over the course of time, Franz updated the brewing equipment, installing a special Czech made 5.5 barrel system. His Royal Bohemian Pilsner struck gold at the 1999 Great American Beer Festival and it has been
non-stop ever since. The company, of which Franz is a partner, has opened two more Tampa-area Hoppers, the most recent in Westchase. The brewer is as proud of the new facility as he is of his beer. A German architect designed the brewpub's beer altar and interior lighting. The bar top is lined with a refrigerated ice bar, designed to keep beer glasses cold in the hot, humid climate. Hoppers number two opened in Trinity a couple of years ago. The company has plans for two more Tampa Bay brewpubs before expanding to other central Florida cities.

With the exception of Amarillo Light, a new light pilsner (remember, Florida is Budweiser country), Franz does not filter his beers. Ales and lagers alike are allowed to naturally carbonate in the keg. Named after his mentor, Fischer Helles is a smooth Munchener Lager. The dark, brooding Helms Dunklebock comes from an old family recipe, circa 1500. Inspired by Samuel Adams potent Millennium II, 44 Magnum utilized three different yeasts to attain its 22% alcohol level. With comparisons to Port and Sherry, Franz says his seasonal 44 Magnum is "like a shot of liquor."

Hoppers' Hefeweizen has proper banana and clove characteristics. This Bavarian-style ale appears occasionally as Raspberry Hefeweizen, made with raspberry puree in the secondary fermenter. One of the brewpubs best sellers, Wild Berry Lambic is smooth and sweet with noticeable alcohol presence. It's more popular among wine drinkers than beer drinkers.

Claiming that he is not a "to-style brewer," Franz's Cat Tail Pale Ale hits the zone between Pale Ale and IPA, while Old Porch Dog falls smack in the middle of the Brown Ale and Porter designations. Flying Gator is an English Stock Ale with notes of the traditional wild esters typical of English ales.

Though it displeases his mentor, Franz likes to brew "extreme beers," especially ales. A lager traditionalist, Fischer once turned up his nose at a pint of style-splitting Cat Tail Pale Ale. When told by transatlantic phone call of the hefty 44 Magnum, the Austrian brewer uttered an expression of disgust. On the other hand, Franz's brewing
heritage shines. The talkative brewer considers himself a "purist on lagers."

What it all boils down to is that Franz likes to brew the "beers that people love." There's nothing wrong with that. Franz Rothschadl's combination of wild ales and conventional lagers seems to be working just fine for Hoppers Grill & Brewery. His mother must be proud.

Hoppers Grille & Brewery - Palm Harbor
36221 East Lake Road, Palm Harbor, FL 34685-3143   (727) 786-2966

Hoppers Grille & Brewery - Westchase
12227 Linebaugh Avenue W., Tampa, FL 34677   (813) 814-7748

Hoppers Grille & Brewery - Trinity
8817 Mitchell Blvd., Trinity, FL 34655-4407   (727) 375-2667

Read more by nationally recognized beer writer Bobby Bush at: http://www.realbeer.com/library/authors/bush-b/
CALENDAR

Additional festival listings and details are available at:
http://beersouth.com/calendar.html
3/29 - 8th red, white and brew - Atlanta GA
3/29 - 6th Greater Gator Beer Festival - Gainesville FL
4/5 - 8th Classic City Brew-Fest - Athens GA
4/12 - Hickory Hops - Hickory NC
5/7-10 - National Craft Brewer's Conference - New Orleans LA
5/10 - Greenville Beer Fest - Greenville SC
5/17 - Virginia Beer Festival - Norfolk VA
5/30 - 6th Ft. Lauderdale International Beer Festival - Fort Lauderdale FL

NEWS

NEWSCAMPAIGN FOR GEORGIA STRONG BEERS BACK IN ACTION

The Georgians for World Class Beer effort to repeal the ban on strong beer in George has begun anew. House Bill 645, which would remove the 6-percent ceiling on beer, was introduced to the legislature recently. If you live in the Peach State and want to know what you can do to help, or if you'd just like to keep up with the bill's progress, go to: http://www.beerinfo.com/worldclassbeer
US AGENCY ALLOWS HEALTH CLAIMS ON BEER AND WINE, WITH CAVEATS

The U.S. government recently relaxed it's stance on alcohol labeling and said wine and beer makers may make health claims for their products, but only under limited circumstances and accompanied by warnings about health risks as well. In the final rule, the Treasury Department's Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau said any health claims on labels or in ads must be true, based on scientific evidence and disclose the possible risks to some individuals and risks associated with moderate and heavy alcohol usage.

The fact that warnings must also be included provide a sizeable disadvantage to this new ruling. Sam Kazman, general counsel for the Washington-based Competitive Enterprise Institute, said the hurdles for making a health claim are so high under the final rules, they're not an improvement. "In our view, as far as the First Amendment goes, this package is no different," Kazman said. The CEI is a Washington-based free market advocacy group which filed a lawsuit in 1996 against the BATF to allow inclusion of health claims.

In addition to the requirements for evidence and disclosures of risks, the rules say "directional statements," directing consumers to consult doctors or other third parties about alcohol's health effects, must also be accompanied by a disclaimer: "This statement should not encourage you to drink or to increase your alcohol
consumption for health reasons." Kazman said requiring that language was "constitutionally bogus" and said the group may head back to court on the issue.
The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau recently assumed all regulatory responsibility of beer, wine and spirits from its predecessor, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. The rules are to go into effect 90 days after they are published in the Federal Register.

AVADO BRAND'S FUTURE IN DOUBT, FACES IRS AUDIT

Avado Brands Inc.'s ability to continue operations is in doubt because it has suffered from recurring operating losses, has an accumulated deficit and its secured credit facility is due by May 25, The Wall Street Journal reported. The article goes onto say that the company faces an IRS audit of its 1998 federal income tax returns and doesn't have enough liquidity now to satisfy credit obligations, and if they become due before it raises
additional funding, it's likely that Madison-based Avado Brands (OTC BB: AVDO) would be forced to seek protection from its creditors.

Also, Avado Brands said that its 1998 federal income tax returns are being audited by the Internal Revenue Service. The company has recorded a $35 million liability for its income taxes as of Dec. 29, 2002, which it believes is adequate to cover any amount it may owe as a result of the audit. However, Avado Brands said it doesn't have enough liquidity to pay any significant portion of the recorded liability if the IRS requires payment.

The company said it doesn't expect it will have to make any payment or that any audit issues will be resolved in the near future.

On March 4, Avado Brands reported a net loss of $63.4 million on $441.6 million in sales for 2002, compared with a net loss of $95.3 million on $589.4 million in sales in 2001. Results in 2002 include the operations of Canyon Cafe and McCormick & Schmick's, which the company is selling and has divested, respectively.

Avado owns and operates 66 Hops Restaurant Bar Breweries and 115 Don Pablo's Mexican Kitchens. It also runs four Canyon Cafes, which are held for sale.

AOB TO RELEASE CRAFT BEER REPORT

The Association of Brewers will release its annual statistics for the craft beer segment on Friday, March 21.
Once released, you may read them at www.beertown.org.
The material presented on this site is based on information believed to be correct, but is subject
to change at anytime. If you have an update, correction, suggestion or any other contribution,
please send it to us at: updates@beersouth.com. We welcome your input.

(c) 1999 - 2003 by Beer South. All Rights Reserved.
The material presented on this site is based on information believed to be correct, but is subject
to change at anytime. If you have an update, correction, suggestion or any other contribution,
please send it to us at: updates@beersouth.com. We welcome your input.

(c) 1999 - 2003 by Beer South. All Rights Reserved.
March 2003 Buzz
NEWS

NEWSCAMPAIGN FOR GEORGIA STRONG BEERS BACK IN ACTION

The Georgians for World Class Beer effort to repeal the ban on strong beer in George has begun anew. House Bill 645, which would remove the 6-percent ceiling on beer, was introduced to the legislature recently. If you live in the Peach State and want to know what you can do to help, or if you'd just like to keep up with the bill's progress, go to: http://www.beerinfo.com/worldclassbeer
US AGENCY ALLOWS HEALTH CLAIMS ON BEER AND WINE, WITH CAVEATS

The U.S. government recently relaxed it's stance on alcohol labeling and said wine and beer makers may make health claims for their products, but only under limited circumstances and accompanied by warnings about health risks as well. In the final rule, the Treasury Department's Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau said any health claims on labels or in ads must be true, based on scientific evidence and disclose the possible risks to some individuals and risks associated with moderate and heavy alcohol usage.

The fact that warnings must also be included provide a sizeable disadvantage to this new ruling. Sam Kazman, general counsel for the Washington-based Competitive Enterprise Institute, said the hurdles for making a health claim are so high under the final rules, they're not an improvement. "In our view, as far as the First Amendment goes, this package is no different," Kazman said. The CEI is a Washington-based free market advocacy group which filed a lawsuit in 1996 against the BATF to allow inclusion of health claims.

In addition to the requirements for evidence and disclosures of risks, the rules say "directional statements," directing consumers to consult doctors or other third parties about alcohol's health effects, must also be accompanied by a disclaimer: "This statement should not encourage you to drink or to increase your alcohol
consumption for health reasons." Kazman said requiring that language was "constitutionally bogus" and said the group may head back to court on the issue.
The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau recently assumed all regulatory responsibility of beer, wine and spirits from its predecessor, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. The rules are to go into effect 90 days after they are published in the Federal Register.

AVADO BRAND'S FUTURE IN DOUBT, FACES IRS AUDIT

Avado Brands Inc.'s ability to continue operations is in doubt because it has suffered from recurring operating losses, has an accumulated deficit and its secured credit facility is due by May 25, The Wall Street Journal reported. The article goes onto say that the company faces an IRS audit of its 1998 federal income tax returns and doesn't have enough liquidity now to satisfy credit obligations, and if they become due before it raises
additional funding, it's likely that Madison-based Avado Brands (OTC BB: AVDO) would be forced to seek protection from its creditors.

Also, Avado Brands said that its 1998 federal income tax returns are being audited by the Internal Revenue Service. The company has recorded a $35 million liability for its income taxes as of Dec. 29, 2002, which it believes is adequate to cover any amount it may owe as a result of the audit. However, Avado Brands said it doesn't have enough liquidity to pay any significant portion of the recorded liability if the IRS requires payment.

The company said it doesn't expect it will have to make any payment or that any audit issues will be resolved in the near future.

On March 4, Avado Brands reported a net loss of $63.4 million on $441.6 million in sales for 2002, compared with a net loss of $95.3 million on $589.4 million in sales in 2001. Results in 2002 include the operations of Canyon Cafe and McCormick & Schmick's, which the company is selling and has divested, respectively.

Avado owns and operates 66 Hops Restaurant Bar Breweries and 115 Don Pablo's Mexican Kitchens. It also runs four Canyon Cafes, which are held for sale.

AOB TO RELEASE CRAFT BEER REPORT

The Association of Brewers will release its annual statistics for the craft beer segment on Friday, March 21.
Once released, you may read them at www.beertown.org.
Greetings,

For most of us, Spring is afoot. It's been a bizarre Winter and I dare say I speak for us all when I say good riddance I'm glad it's in the past. Plus, the advent of warmer, more pleasant, weather signals the onset of the outdoor beer festival season for most of us. Thanks to Florida for taking up the slack during those cold spells. Here's hoping Spring is indeed a time of rebirth and renewal for all of us. ....The Beer Bwana
BREWING CHANGES

Openings

LA / Marrero - Big Easy Brewing Company: This new microbrewery began as a contract beer part-owned by former Acadian Brewpub brewer Doug Lindley. The beer was brewed at the Day Brewery in Marrero. Lindley and partners recently purchased the brewery and its brands from Sonny Day and will continue to brew them along with contract beers such as Lagniappe.

SC / Spartanburg - R.J. Rockers Microbrewery: In a recent newsletter we noted that brewer Mark Johnsen has sold his downtown brewpub, removed the brewing equipment and set off to find a location to establish his operation as a microbrewey. He's found a location and has begun brewing, with distribution in the Greenville-Spartanburg are to begin soon.

TN / Johnson City - Sophisticated Otter Brewpub: In a recent issue we announced its closing. Turns out that was to close the books on a previous, encumbering corporate structure. It re-opened in late February with new owners, and has retained the services of Jay Hollingshead, the prior brewer.

Closings

GA / Douglasville - Peckerhead Brewpub: Although the establishment remains open as a bar and eatery, brewing ceased in February. The brewing equipment is for sale or may be moved to another location.

GA / Kennesaw - Water Tower Brewpub: This brewery, located in the U.S. Play game and recreation center just off I-75, lost its brewer and is unsure of it's plans to re-start operations.

LA / Marrero - Day Brewing Company: The brewery and brands have been bought by Big Easy Brewing (see openings). Former owner Sonny Day has exited from the operation to venture into real estate.

Personnel

NC / Wilmington - Front Street Brewpub: Don Lynch, long-time brewer for the brewery, has left the position. No word yet on his replacement.

CALENDAR

Additional festival listings and details are available at:
http://beersouth.com/calendar.html
3/29 - 8th red, white and brew - Atlanta GA
3/29 - 6th Greater Gator Beer Festival - Gainesville FL
4/5 - 8th Classic City Brew-Fest - Athens GA
4/12 - Hickory Hops - Hickory NC
5/7-10 - National Craft Brewer's Conference - New Orleans LA
5/10 - Greenville Beer Fest - Greenville SC
5/17 - Virginia Beer Festival - Norfolk VA
5/30 - 6th Ft. Lauderdale International Beer Festival - Fort Lauderdale FL

PROFILES IN BREWING
By Bobby Bush, author of "Beer & Loafing"

Franz Rothschadl, brewmaster of Hoppers Grill & Brewery
in Tampa Bay, Florida

At an early age, Franz Rothschadl was fascinated by beer. It didn't hurt
that his mother's side of the family had a lengthy brewing heritage. So
when he received a degree in biochemistry, a precursor to brewing
studies, from college in his native Austria, brewing seemed the natural
next step. But instead of following destiny, Franz became a commercial
airline pilot upon graduation, flying government and United Nation
charters.

During his tenure as a pilot Franz met Joseph Fischer, the founder of the first brewpub in Central Europe. This early 1980's encounter with the seasoned brewer/manager blossomed into a lasting personal and professional relationship. As Franz puts it, Fischer became his "beer father, beer mentor." The duo would eventually collaborate on opening a brewpub in Austria.

In 1993, a unique opportunity arose. Initiated by Vienna brewpub Otakriger, with backing from the Austrian and German governments, Franz moved to South America to open a Third World brewery. The Paraguay brewpub, called Austria 1783, brewed only lager beers, just as Herr Fischer had taught.

That venture led quickly to another. Founded in 1994 in Miami, Lagerhaus folded not long after opening. Franz readily admits that he had "no experience in doing business in the US." Later, while living in Tampa, Franz discovered Hoppers Grill & Brewery Creek in nearby Palm Harbor. The brewer had just left to start his own brewpub. Eyeing the educational experience of brewing ales and witnessing restaurant management first hand, Franz agreed to take over brewing chores.

Over the course of time, Franz updated the brewing equipment, installing a special Czech made 5.5 barrel system. His Royal Bohemian Pilsner struck gold at the 1999 Great American Beer Festival and it has been
non-stop ever since. The company, of which Franz is a partner, has opened two more Tampa-area Hoppers, the most recent in Westchase. The brewer is as proud of the new facility as he is of his beer. A German architect designed the brewpub's beer altar and interior lighting. The bar top is lined with a refrigerated ice bar, designed to keep beer glasses cold in the hot, humid climate. Hoppers number two opened in Trinity a couple of years ago. The company has plans for two more Tampa Bay brewpubs before expanding to other central Florida cities.

With the exception of Amarillo Light, a new light pilsner (remember, Florida is Budweiser country), Franz does not filter his beers. Ales and lagers alike are allowed to naturally carbonate in the keg. Named after his mentor, Fischer Helles is a smooth Munchener Lager. The dark, brooding Helms Dunklebock comes from an old family recipe, circa 1500. Inspired by Samuel Adams potent Millennium II, 44 Magnum utilized three different yeasts to attain its 22% alcohol level. With comparisons to Port and Sherry, Franz says his seasonal 44 Magnum is "like a shot of liquor."

Hoppers' Hefeweizen has proper banana and clove characteristics. This Bavarian-style ale appears occasionally as Raspberry Hefeweizen, made with raspberry puree in the secondary fermenter. One of the brewpubs best sellers, Wild Berry Lambic is smooth and sweet with noticeable alcohol presence. It's more popular among wine drinkers than beer drinkers.

Claiming that he is not a "to-style brewer," Franz's Cat Tail Pale Ale hits the zone between Pale Ale and IPA, while Old Porch Dog falls smack in the middle of the Brown Ale and Porter designations. Flying Gator is an English Stock Ale with notes of the traditional wild esters typical of English ales.

Though it displeases his mentor, Franz likes to brew "extreme beers," especially ales. A lager traditionalist, Fischer once turned up his nose at a pint of style-splitting Cat Tail Pale Ale. When told by transatlantic phone call of the hefty 44 Magnum, the Austrian brewer uttered an expression of disgust. On the other hand, Franz's brewing
heritage shines. The talkative brewer considers himself a "purist on lagers."

What it all boils down to is that Franz likes to brew the "beers that people love." There's nothing wrong with that. Franz Rothschadl's combination of wild ales and conventional lagers seems to be working just fine for Hoppers Grill & Brewery. His mother must be proud.

Hoppers Grille & Brewery - Palm Harbor
36221 East Lake Road, Palm Harbor, FL 34685-3143   (727) 786-2966

Hoppers Grille & Brewery - Westchase
12227 Linebaugh Avenue W., Tampa, FL 34677   (813) 814-7748

Hoppers Grille & Brewery - Trinity
8817 Mitchell Blvd., Trinity, FL 34655-4407   (727) 375-2667

Read more by nationally recognized beer writer Bobby Bush at: http://www.realbeer.com/library/authors/bush-b/
===============================================================================
Thanks to: Melissa Frantz, Cindy LeBlanc, Owen Ogletree, Steve Smith

Until April, cheers!
The Beer Bwana