
Detroit brewery hits pause after 31-year run
Detroit's longtime brewery staple is taking a break after 31 years, pausing operations for now.
All articles tagged with #brewery

Detroit's longtime brewery staple is taking a break after 31 years, pausing operations for now.

Sycamore's taproom at Charlotte Douglas International Airport is being replaced with a new dining concept following charges against co-founder Justin Brigham for a serious crime, and after several retailers stopped selling the brewery's products. Brigham is no longer listed as a managing member of the brewery, and the transition is ongoing while the location remains open to passengers.

Lagunitas Brewing Company is closing its Chicago brewing, packaging, and restaurant operations this summer, moving them to its original location in Petaluma, California. The closure, affecting 86 employees, is part of a strategy to future-proof the organization and focus on a more efficient supply chain and sustainable brewing practices. Some employees will retain remote roles or relocate, while others will receive departure packages. Despite the closure, Lagunitas will continue to serve the Chicago market.

Lagunitas Brewing Company is closing its Chicago taproom and relocating brewing operations back to California, impacting 86 workers. The company will maintain its Chicago warehouse and continue servicing local bars and stores. The move aims to enhance supply chain efficiency and focus on sustainable brewing practices.

Grand Rapids Brewing Company, located in downtown Grand Rapids, has announced its permanent closure following a fire in February that damaged the brewery's kitchen and HVAC system. The brewery, which had been in operation for 11 years, expressed gratitude to its patrons and the city of Grand Rapids, but did not indicate whether it plans to seek a new property to lease.

New Anthem Beer Project, a well-known brewery in Wilmington, has announced the indefinite closure of its location on Dock Street and its taproom and production facility on Greenfield Street due to financial issues and production growth problems during the pandemic, despite gaining national recognition for its beers. The brewery will likely offer deals on beer, merchandise, and glassware this weekend before shutting down.

The Wooden Robot Brewery in North Carolina has closed its taprooms indefinitely following the death of co-founder Dan Wade in an accident. The closure was announced on social media, with co-founder Josh Patton confirming the tragic news. The incident, which occurred at the brewery's South End location, is under investigation by the North Carolina Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Division. The Charlotte brewing community has expressed shock and offered condolences for the loss.

Wooden Robot Brewery in Charlotte is closed following the death of co-founder Dan in an accident at the South End location. The brewery announced the closure on Instagram and Facebook, asking for privacy and expressing shock over the incident. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is conducting an ongoing investigation, and the Occupational Safety and Health Division has assigned a compliance officer to look into the report. Both taprooms, including the NoDa location, are closed as the community mourns the loss.

The Teamsters union has initiated a strike at Molson Coors' Texas brewery and is threatening to do the same at all of Anheuser-Busch InBev's U.S. breweries if a new deal for workers is not reached by the end of the month. The union is seeking pay raises to reflect inflation, elimination of two-tiered health care and retirement benefits, and job security. Molson Coors claims to have strong contingency plans to ensure product availability, while Anheuser-Busch is prepared to operate its breweries and keep beer stocked in the event of a work stoppage. The Teamsters are prepared for a full-scale strike and nationwide boycott if their contract demands are not met.

The Ramova Theatre in Chicago, which has been closed since 1985, is set to reopen with a restaurant featuring a resurrected South Side chili recipe and a craft beer destination created by New York-based Other Half Brewing. The $23 million project aims to bring back the venue's glory days as a music hall, with an estimated capacity of 1,500 and plans for 150 events per year. Other Half Ramova will offer around 80 tap lines, including IPAs and lagers, and will collaborate with artists for special beers to mark appearances at the venue. The opening is expected in November.
The property housing the recently opened Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Chicago's West Loop is being put up for sale by real estate developer Fred Latsko. The 15,000-square-foot space, which has become a popular tourist attraction, will remain operational even if the building changes hands. The brewery, offering a variety of beers and a full-service restaurant, opened in September and has had a strong start. The presence of the Guinness brewery is backed by a ten-year lease, and the sale is expected to fetch upwards of $20 million.
Roc Brewing Co., a brewery located in Rochester, New York, will be closing its doors on October 7 after more than 12 years of business. The closure is due to financial hardships, and the company is inviting the public to celebrate its final days of operation. The brewery expressed gratitude for the support from the Rochester community.
Dutch brewer Heineken has completed its withdrawal from Russia, selling its business in the country for just 1 euro to the Arnest Group. The sale, which includes seven breweries, resulted in a loss of 300 million euros ($325 million) for Heineken. The company had faced criticism for the slow pace of its exit following the outbreak of war in Ukraine but stated that it wanted to ensure a responsible transfer and secure the livelihoods of its local employees. Heineken brand beer was already removed from the Russian market, and Amstel will be phased out within six months.

Big Grove, a growing brewery in Iowa, is seeking brewers and warehouse workers to meet the increasing demand for their beers. With multiple locations and plans for expansion, the brewery is looking for individuals with a passion for beer and experience in brewing or production. The fast-paced environment and sense of community make it an enjoyable place to work, and the brewery provides training for new hires. Interested applicants can apply through the Big Grove website.

Anchor Brewing, the iconic San Francisco brewery, is open to considering a potential offer from employees who are looking to purchase the company and save it from closure. The brewery, founded in 1896, recently announced its shutdown due to declining sales. A group of employees has been working to preserve the brewery's legacy and has expressed interest in buying it. The company has stated that it would gladly consider a bonafide offer from employees that includes a verifiable source of funds. However, time is running short as the company plans to file for bankruptcy at the beginning of August.