World of Beer

{{short description|Chain of taverns in the USA}}

{{for|a list of the world's notable beer companies|Beer and breweries by region}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2025}}

{{Infobox company

| image = World of Beer Avalon in Tampa outside.jpg

| name = World of Beer (WOB)

| logo =WOB logo for that organization.jpg

| type =

| founded = {{Start date and age|2007}} in Tampa, Florida, US

| founder = Scott Zepp and Matt LaFon

The first franchisees of the concept were Philippe Theodore and Jason Rappoport. They secured rights to develop the concept throughout the Tampa Bay market in 2008 and opened their first location in Tampa Palms.

| hq_location_city = Tampa Bay, Florida

| hq_location_country = US

| area_served = US, China, South Korea

| owner = Paul Avery

| revenue =$100 million

| num_employees = 500

| website = {{URL|https://worldofbeer.com/}}

}}

World of Beer, branded as WOB, is an American tavern chain with locations in the United States, China, and South Korea.{{cite news |last1=Gordon |first1=Mark |title=Business flows nicely for fast-growing beer brand |url=https://www.businessobserverfl.com/article/business-flows-nicely-for-fast-growing-beer-brand |accessdate=March 5, 2019 |publisher=Business Observer}} Founded in 2007, the company's headquarters are in Tampa Bay, Florida.{{cite news |last1=Biro |first1=Liz |title=World of Beer brings 300-plus beers to Mass Ave. today |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/entertainment/2018/04/23/world-beer-brings-300-plus-beers-mass-ave-today/541340002/ |accessdate=March 5, 2019 |publisher=Indy Star |date=April 23, 2018}} WOB locations sell about 300 craft beers, including almost 50 on tap, and serve food.{{cite journal|title= World of Beer - and Food; Tavern fare and mixed drinks help drive growth|date=May 2014|first= Art |last=Levy |journal=Florida Trend |page=30}}

In 2018, the company hired former Raymond James investment banker Kevin MacCormack as CFO, and Hard Rock International executive James "The Blue Monster" Buell, of the Central Florida 4J's, as vice president of marketing.

In 2024, World of Beer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, blaming declining post-pandemic sales as part of the decision. The company closed around 14 locations within the last 12 months.{{Cite web|url= https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2024/08/02/tampa-world-of-beer-chapter-11-bankruptcy.html|title= Tampa's World of Beer files for Chapter 11, cites slow rebound in post-pandemic sales|last=Georgacopulos|first=Christina|date=August 2, 2024|access-date=August 2, 2024|website=The Business Journals|language=en}} The company exited bankruptcy in December 2024 after restructuring its debt, with plans to open 20 locations within the next 5 years.{{Cite web|url=https://www.restaurantdive.com/news/world-of-beer-emerges-chapter-11-bankruptcy-growth-plans/736259/|title=World of Beer emerges from bankruptcy|last=Littman|first=Julie|date=January 2, 2025|access-date=January 25, 2025|website=Restaurant Dive|language=en}}

World of Beer Avalon in Tampa patio.jpg | Exterior patio

World of Beer Avalon in Tampa bar taps.jpg | Interior

World of Beer Avalon in Tampa bar.jpg| Interior

World of Beer Avalon in Tampa bar 2.jpg | Inside World of Beer, Tampa 2019