The Downtowners – Rosie Hanson, co-owner of Garden District Taproom
April 24th, 2025
Meet Rosie Hanson, the co-owner of Garden District Taproom in Downtown West Palm Beach. A lifelong Floridian, she grew up and attended college in Gainesville. She taught in public schools for eight years before resigning in 2021 and, along with her husband Josh (with whom she is raising their young son), opened Garden District Taproom.
How did you end up in Downtown West Palm Beach?
After looking at several different locations for our taproom, we ultimately settled on the perfect little slice of Downtown. We fell in love with the natural light in the unit, along with the beautiful outdoor space. We knew Downtown would be the perfect place for our business because of the bustling atmosphere and heavy foot traffic. I couldn’t tell you how many people duck into our spot after walking by and having their curiosity piqued. We knew our business would thrive Downtown, as opposed to other locations.
What do you like most about being in Downtown West Palm Beach?
I love that there is always something going on to draw people here. I love that it’s a destination — and not just for tourists but also for all South Florida residents. On the flip side of that, I love that Downtown has a large (and always growing) number of residents. It’s such a great mix of residential and commercial, which brings every demographic together. I love that it feels like a closeknit community — but also has some big city vibes.
What do you do for fun in Downtown West Palm Beach?
I love to grab a coffee and a pastry from Johan’s Joe or Subculture with my son and walk to the amazing Mandel Public Library, where we often spend hours. When my sister comes to visit, she loves staying at the Canopy by Hilton West Palm Beach Downtown hotel, and we really enjoy catching up over drinks at Treehouse. We also love to grab dinner at Kapow, or, for a quicker bite, Keese’s.
How was Downtown West Palm Beach evolved since you’ve been here?
Even in the short time we’ve been Downtown, the growth has been undeniable. Massive apartment buildings and office buildings have gone up. Countless businesses have opened. The Square has gone back to its roots as CityPlace. And one of the most exciting changes has been the influx of young professionals. They are flocking to our area, and I feel like Downtown is becoming a fun and trendy destination. I can envision Downtown growing even more in the coming decade, and Clematis getting a makeover to match revitalized vibe of CityPlace, and the waterfront developing into a beautiful family-friendly destination for everyone to enjoy.