The fallout from the collapse of Ancient City Brewing, once one of St. Augustine’s most prominent craft beer brands, continues to ripple through the Old City.
The owners of a warehouse on Agricultural Center Drive have filed suit, claiming that leftover grain and equipment from the defunct brewery have left their building unusable and infested with rodents.
According to the complaint, the property owner is suing Ameris Bank, which had partially financed the once high-flying brewery’s operations.
The bank had a legal claim to much of Ancient City’s brewing equipment after the company folded, and under a written agreement, it was supposed to remove the items following the brewery’s eviction from the warehouse in February 2025.
The case alleges Ameris Bank failed to remove large brewing tanks, piping, hoses, furniture and a significant amount of leftover grain by a June 30 deadline.
The abandoned grain has since attracted rodents, creating an infestation that made the warehouse “unusable and hazardous,” forcing the property owner to hire cleanup and repair crews.
The lawsuit claims Ameris faces a penalty of $400 per day, and alleges that the bank ignored a formal demand in August to remedy the situation.
As a result, the warehouse owner says it had to pay out-of-pocket to remove the equipment, repair wiring and plumbing damage, and eliminate the rodent problem.
The suit seeks reimbursement, liquidated damages, and attorney’s fees.
Ancient City Brewing, founded in 2015, was celebrated for its locally inspired craft beers, such as the Matanzas River Red Ale and Galleon’s Golden Ale, which drew a loyal following among locals and tourists.
The brewery was part of St. Augustine’s burgeoningsmall-business scene before abruptly shutting down amid financial struggles and multiple legal disputes.
Ameris Bank did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the suit.
