Matt Dahm, founder of Mastry’s Brewing Co., the first craft brewery on St. Pete Beach, has launched a new beer brand for the University of South Florida St. Petersburg.
The USF alumnus and his brewery partnered with the university’s Brewing Arts program to create St. Pete Pilsner, a crisp pilsner featuring a student-designed label highlighting USF, St. Petersburg and the art of brewing. The beer is available at Mastry’s and retailers near USF’s campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee.
The timing couldn’t be better, Dahm said.
“Right now there’s so much momentum at the university, with a new president, and last year they became a member of the AAU,” he said. “Our great football program and the new football stadium will have a huge hospitality component to showcase St. Pete Pilsner.”
Dahm, who graduated from USF’s College of Mechanical Engineering in 2008, said his wife earned her Ph.D. from USF as well.
“We are a Bulls family,” he said. “We’re super proud and honored to be a part of that momentum and help bring awareness to the great things going on with all the campuses, especially the USF Brewing Arts program, which brings career opportunities for students.”
Dahm also teaches at USF Brewing Arts.
Joe Askren, director of the program, said collaboration defines Tampa Bay’s craft beer industry.
“Over the years, our Brewing Arts program has developed great relationships with local breweries, with many of these owners and head brewers teaching in our program and being our champions in the community,” Askren said.
Dahm said brewers from 3 Daughters, Cigar City and Green Bench St. Pete Brewing all support the program. A portion of St. Pete Pilsner sales will fund scholarships.
“It’s really an investment in training and launching the next generation of brewing professionals so the industry can thrive,” he said.
The beer originated as USF St. Petersburg prepared for its annual Bulls & Brews by the Bay fundraiser. Askren wanted to develop a new recipe and involve students in designing the can’s label, so he approached graphic arts professor Jenny Yucus, who teaches a packaging design class.
During fall 2024, students created labels with input from Dahm. A panel selected Ashley Wiser’s design, which includes illustrations of Rocky the Bull, signature campus locations, sea life, palm trees, bottles, ingredients and brewing equipment. Wiser graduated in May.
Dahm is also overseeing Park Junction, a Pinellas Park community center that will house brewing operations, a food court, Mastry’s Brew Hub and other retail.
Mastry’s Brewing Co. is at 7701 Blind Pass Road, St. Petersburg Beach. The brewery offers food, seasonal beers and special events including trivia, open mic night and live music.