Our Friends Closed Their Brewery
I attended the last day of operations at a local brewery owned by friends a little while ago. It was a packed house with delicious beer, music and friendship. As I spoke with one of the owners, I tried to find some solace in the turnout and how proud they must feel seeing all these customers and industry friends here to say goodbye. She smiled and said, “It is nice…I just wish they would have continued to come before they heard we were closing.”
We know the craft beer business has changed over the past few years and that has not been good news for some of our friends and colleagues in the industry. Gone are the days of double-digit growth and a new brewery on every corner. I think we all honestly knew that level of growth was not sustainable, but it is still hard to see some industry friends close their doors. What is especially troubling is that many of these places were community hubs and even considered economic drivers for a town’s revitalization just a few years ago. Brewery taprooms have traditionally created hubs for the community to gather, celebrate and have good conversations. Smaller independent breweries also tended to use local ingredients, manufacturing and hiring local contractors and staff.
Brewery taprooms also have a different vibe and purpose than typical bars, restaurants and certainly, dispensaries. Patrons would gather and enjoy sampling the unique craft and taste of products made right there. It was personal, unique to that location, and was often a source of pride for that community. To be able to say, “We have a local brewery” is still an indication of a vibrant community and one that has something special to offer visitors and residents alike.
Change can be difficult and saying goodbye is never easy but what I personally find disheartening is the loss of community and the sense of place each brewery taproom uniquely created. At Common Roots Brewing Company, we are extremely proud and cognizant of the unique experience customers have when they visit our taprooms. That said, we are not insulated from the market shifts and remain keenly aware that diversification is going to be key to our continued growth as a business. In the coming weeks Common Roots will be launching new products alongside our traditional offerings of world class beers, ciders, coffee and of course… locally sourced, delicious fare.
While I will continue to lament the closing of our friends’ brewery, I am confident that our taprooms and event areas at Common Roots Brewing will continue to be inspiring spaces to gather for our local community members and visitors alike. The weather may be cold and news abysmal, but our taprooms will continue to be warm and welcoming places to gather with friends and family. We look forward to seeing you there!
Cheers,
Bert
