David Cohen, Manifest Distilling

David Cohen, Manifest Distilling

Why did you start Manifest?

A little over three years ago I left a 23 year career in film/television/publishing. I was inspired by a publishing client by this movement of the resurgence of master craftsmanship. I was itching to get away from intellectual property and into producing something tangible. My family had a long history of business in hospitality/F&B/tourism and since I spent so much time in and around it growing up, it made sense to return to those roots. My fascination with spirits in conjunction with good timing and the right market led me into craft distilling. That began a two and half year R&D mission to learn all I could before opening our doors.

Manifest Distilling

This section of downtown has been empty for years, and some are skeptical about its potential. What made you see past that skepticism?

I grew up in Jacksonville and since I was a kid had heard people talking about how downtown was on the rise again. After spending ten years away in Los Angeles, I wanted to open a business as close to the urban core as possible. In all my time in Jacksonville, I felt like the momentum was shifting more than ever. We scouted multiple locations from Riverside to Brooklyn to downtown. When we came across this building it just seemed like a natural fit. The development and zoning already going into it made it an easy choice for us. It helps that our core business is manufacturing so we have the luxury of generating income off that if the skeptics were to be true.

Manifest Distilling

How do you see this area evolving?

I’d like to see this east end of Jax become a place of makers. It would be fantastic to have creative craftspeople doing their thing in our little two block radius. Whether it be talented restauranteurs, cheesemongers, butchers or boot makers, those kinds of businesses bring more options for people when heading down there to see one of our sports teams play. The infrastructure of the area lends itself to that kind of business as well.

Manifest Distilling

Article by Mike Field and Ennis Davis, AICP