Bar-hoppers, casual diners and beer connoisseurs only have about a month left to enjoy the only brew-pub in Southeastern North Carolina. For over a decade, Wilmington’s own Front Street Brewery has been welcoming customers with a pub-style menu, while boasting nine personal ales, ports and stouts brewed right on the premises. That will all change as of April 1, when the famous brewery will be put up for sale by the owner.

The Front Street Brewery, located downtown at 9 North Front St., occupies the Foy-Roe Building, which was built in 1883. All of the original construction still remains, giving the brewery a nostalgic aura. The galvanized tin ceilings, wrought iron railings and pine floor truly set the brewery’s pub-style atmosphere. The restaurant is known primarily for its original brewed beers that offer a wide variety of taste for everyone. Eight unique brews, ranging from their Raspberry Wheat Ale to their Indian Pale Ale, are always offered on draft, usually with a seasonal special.

The Front Street brewery sells 22-ounce bottles and growlers to go with their own brews, and local bars and restaurants, including TGI Friday’s, South Beach Grill and Brown Dog Grill, sell kegs of the brewery’s beer.

“I think it’s simply time to move on,” owner John McLatchey said. “I’ve had a very successful run with it all. It will be tough to see it go.”

McLatchey has shared ownership of the Brewery for 11 years. He also owns The Bridge Tender and The Fish House, both located off Airlie Road near Wrightsville Beach, and Zachary’s American Grill, located in Southport.

McLatchey said he’s ready to try something new. “I think it’s time for someone else to have a chance at success like I did.”

“Lots of people are looking at it,” said Daniel Pace, the Front Street Brewery’s newly appointed general manager, though the building’s future is not certain. “It may stay a brewery, but there are companies who’d like to turn it into a two-story club.”

“I don’t see them turning it into a dance club,” McLatchey said. “I’d like to see it stay a brewery.”

The Front Street name, however, will not be left behind with the building.

“We’re definitely looking to expand on to something more, but not immediately,” McLatchey said.

“We would like to expand the Front Street name somewhere else in Wilmington, eventually,” Pace said. “There’s been talk of opening another brew-pub somewhere on South College [Road] or maybe in Mayfaire, but nothing is set in stone yet.”