Nimbus Brewery is joining up with Metro Restaurants to open a new brewpub on Tucson’s eastside.

The new pub and eatery will occupy what is currently Ristorante Italia at 6464 E. Tanque Verde Road, according to a press release put out by Dan Multhup, director of operations for Metro Restaurants. Ristorante Italia will close Saturday, July 18, with construction on the new restaurant beginning Monday, July 20.

This is the second time this year that Nimbus man James Counts has attempted to join up with another restaurateur to expand the reach of his brewery. Counts had planned to open a sandwich joint and bar with Jay Tolkoff — the former owner of PJ’s Subs and current owner of the T6 Filling Station at 2500 E. Sixth St. — but backed out after the two ran into irreconcilable differences.

Counts has tasked Michael Brown, Metro Restaurants' corporate chef, with creating a menu that will complement his array of popular beers. The design of the new eatery’s interior is being left up to interior designer Jennifer Rothman Teufel and local artist Daniel Martin Diaz.

Operations in the huge 44th Street warehouse that is Nimbus headquarters will not be affected.

Here’s the mini-novel of a press release with more details:

Restaurant Row Goes Ape for Nimbus Brewery

At a time when the economic forecast challenges our enthusiasm, Nimbus Brewery has chosen to buck the trend and declares that they will “never give into the doom and gloom seen in the daily news.” Nimbus firmly believes that we Tucsonans must band together in these tough economic times and support our local economy by helping to put our workforce “back to work”. Nimbus asserts, “We are going to do whatever it takes to do our part!”

Tucson’s most recognized local brewery, established in 1996, announces that it will soon be opening a long overdue family friendly eastside brewpub. The new concept will serve a variety of fresh and unique foods at affordable prices. The menu will encompass a broad spectrum of cuisine from around the globe, designed to complement Nimbus Brewery’s popular line of craft brewed beers.

The new establishment will also focus on the enjoyment and education of a wide range of drinks and customs from around the country and world through product samplings conducted by knowledgeable experts. You’ll be able to experience a culinary world tour and discover different cultural libations all under one roof… without leaving Tucson!

James Counts, managing partner of Nimbus Brewery has enlisted the services of Michael C. Brown, Corporate Chef for Metro Restaurants, to design a value driven menu and Dan Multhup, Director of Operations for Metro Restaurants, who will oversee daily operations.

The location for this venture will be 6464 E. Tanque Verde, where Ristorante Italia will be transformed by interior designer, Jennifer Rothman Teufel and nationally renowned local artist, Daniel Martin Diaz. The new location could never duplicate the giant warehouse brewery space found at the original 44th Street location, but it promises to be just as unique and much more accessible. Plans for the location include a new patio/beer garden which will be constructed on the north side of the property along Tanque Verde. This will be the perfect place to comfortably enjoy freshly made beer while listening to live music, watching sports on high definition televisions or simply enjoying the great Tucson weather. Among some of the restaurant’s planned eclectic décor, you will be able to discover Tucson’s colorful history of beer and brewing culture stemming back to the 1800’s through Nimbus’ tribute to Tucson’s brewing history.

Construction will begin July 20th with aspirations of a late summer unveiling. All of Italia’s current employees will be relocated as to not disrupt their income opportunities while the new concept is developed and constructed. Upon completion, approximately 70 new jobs will be created.

HIGHLIGHTS

Located in the heart of restaurant row, the new brewery will be open every day for lunch and dinner and feature nightly entertainment. Local handcrafted Nimbus beers on tap and a complete line of domestic and imports will be available. Craft beers from all over the country will be showcased as well as fine import beers from around the world. According to Nimbus Brewery, “by having the ‘competition’ on hand, you can taste for yourself that Nimbus beers are second to none.” A full complement of wine and spirits are also on the menu.