Latest news with #JekyllBrewing
Miami Herald
4 days ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
Beloved beer brand files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
The Great Beerpocalypse, the economic downturn affecting the craft beer industry since the Covid-19 pandemic, continues to claim victims as brewers shut down taprooms and breweries and sometimes file for bankruptcy. American craft brewers produced 23.1 million barrels of beer in 2024, which was a 3.9% decrease from 2023, according to the Brewers Association's Annual Craft Brewing Industry Production Report that was updated on May 6. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter The report revealed that 2024 was the first year since 2005 that the number of breweries closing outpaced brewery openings nationwide, as 430 new breweries opened, while 529 closed. Related: Another popular furniture retailer files Chapter 11 bankruptcy The good news for the industry was that the total number of breweries increased to 9,922 in 2024 from 9,838 in 2023. While openings declined four consecutive years, the closure rate was considered low at about 5%. Craft breweries that closed businesses without filing for bankruptcy included Sacramento-based brewery and taproom chain Device Brewing Company, which shut down all of its locations on April 27 after a landlord filed a lawsuit against the company over $23,000 in unpaid rent. The brewery did not reveal a reason for shutting down its three brewery taproom locations. Atlanta-area craft brewery Jekyll Brewing, which operated four locations in Georgia and one in Florida, closed all of its locations at the end of business on May 11. The brewer's owner Michael Lundmark confirmed the closure of all Jekyll Brewing locations in a post on Atlanta Beer Society's members-only Facebook page, TheStreet's Daniel Kline reported. Craft breweries filed for bankruptcies as well, as La Vista, Neb., beer brand Nebraska Brewing Company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on April 28, 2025, to implement a strategic restructuring, facing uncertain times and economic and supply chain issues. Award-winning craft brewery The Duck-Rabbit Craft Brewery filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection on April 29 to liquidate its assets and shut down its business permanently. The brewery's owner, Paul Philippon, did not state a specific reason for closing down his business in a Facebook post where he thanked his customers. Finally, MurphDog LLC, which owns Ironmonger Brewing Company's brewery, taproom, and axe-throwing range, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection to reorganize its business, facing financial distress. Related: Another major trucking company files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy The Marietta, Ga.-based brewer filed its Subchapter V petition in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Georgia on June 5, listing up to $50,000 in assets and $1 million to $10 million in liabilities, including over $988,000 owed to insider Doug Bippert and over $885,000 owed to Tom Larsen for loans and unpaid compensation. More bankruptcy: Iconic auto repair chain franchise files Chapter 11 bankruptcyPopular beer brand closes down and files Chapter 7 bankruptcyPopular vodka and gin brand files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy The debtor operated a craft brewery, a taproom, a distillery business, and a recreational axe-throwing range. It is unclear if Ironmonger continues to operate. Ironmonger's phone line was not operating, and its website was disabled on June 6. Tripadvisor listed Ironmonger as permanently closed, while Yelp listed the business as closed also on June 6. The company, founded in 2016, brewed several types of beer with unique names, including Zero Mile Pilsner, You Have Feelings IPA, Murph Dog Irish Red for St. Patrick's Day, Oktoberfest, Billet, Et Tu Juiceous, Too Legit to Wit, and Me Seek Porter. Ironmonger Brewering's cans of beer were available at Total Wine & More, Grapes & Grains locations, and other stores in Georgia. Related: Major health care provider files for Chapter 7 liquidation The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Miami Herald
14-05-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Another craft brewery chain shuts down all locations
Craft breweries have faced difficulties over the last two years generating profits and avoiding financial distress. A combination of increased labor and product costs driven by inflation, rising interest rates on debt, and consumers' changing attitudes on spending contributed to breweries' financial problems. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter A long list of craft beer brands have closed taprooms, shut down breweries, gone out of business, and sometimes filed for bankruptcy. Related: Popular beer brand closes down and files Chapter 7 bankruptcy The overall number of operating craft breweries declined nationwide to 9,680 in 2024, down from 9,747 in 2023. It was also the fourth consecutive year that the number of new brewery openings declined, with 434 new breweries opening and 501 closing. Several craft breweries have filed either Chapter 7 or Chapter 11 bankruptcies in the first half of 2025. Award-winning craft brewery The Duck-Rabbit Craft Brewery filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection on April 29 to liquidate its assets and shut down its business permanently. The brewery's owner Paul Philippon did not state a specific reason for closing down his business in a Facebook post where he thanked his customers. The Duck-Rabbit's Chapter 7 filing came shortly after Cary, N.C.-based craft brewery Brüeprint Brewing Company on April 9 filed for Chapter 7 protection. La Vista, Neb., beer brand Nebraska Brewing Company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on April 28, 2025, to implement a strategic restructuring, facing uncertain times and economic and supply chain issues, according to a company Facebook post. And San Antonio craft brewery Alamo Beer Company LLC filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Feb. 3, 2025, to restructure its debt obligations and continue as a going concern. Atlanta-area craft brewery Jekyll Brewing, which operated four locations in Georgia and one in Florida, shut down all of its locations at the close of business on May 11. The brewer's owner Michael Lundmark confirmed the closure of all Jekyll Brewing locations in a post on Atlanta Beer Society's members-only Facebook page, TheStreet's Daniel Kline reported. The brewery, however, did not indicate whether it was planning to file a bankruptcy petition. Finally, popular craft brewery taproom chain Device Brewing Company suddenly shut down all of its locations on April 27 after a landlord filed a lawsuit against the company over $23,000 in unpaid rent, reported. Related: Popular vodka and gin brand files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy The brewery, however, has not revealed a reason for shutting down its three brewery taproom locations. It also has not indicated whether it plans to file for bankruptcy protection. More bankruptcy: Iconic auto repair chain franchise files Chapter 11 bankruptcyPopular beer brand closes down and files Chapter 7 bankruptcyPopular vodka and gin brand files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy The Sacramento-based beer brand, which launched its business in April 2013, was not available for comment as the company did not answer its main phone number at last check, and its voicemail box was full of messages. Two other company phone numbers were not operational. The company did not reveal its closing on its website or any social media site. After opening its brewery and taproom in 2013, Device Brewing Company opened a second taproom in Sacramento in 2018, and launched a third taproom with a kitchen in the city in February 2020. The Covid-19 pandemic was just beginning around the time that the third taproom opened, which likely had a devastating effect on the new location's business, as well as the two other taprooms. Device Brewing produced a line of beers that included Pincushion Pilsner, Curious Haze IPA, Kid Casual Blonde Ale, Integral IPA, Made In Sac IPA, Hop Revolt IPA, Rice Crispy Boi Rice Lager, Brits In Moscow Imperial Stout, and Big Truck IPA. The brewery sold its cans of craft beers through major Northern California beer distributors, including Matagrano Inc., Eagle Distribution, Markstein Sales - Antioch, Donaghy Sales, and Blach Beverage. Related: Popular beer brand files Chapter 11 bankruptcy The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Miami Herald
13-05-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Big beer brand closes breweries without filing Chapter 11 bankrutpcy
Many breweries start more as a dream than a business plan, In a lot of cases people go into the beer business because they love beer and want to follow their passion. That's sometimes a recipe for success, but there's a reason so many breweries, restaurants and other passion-based businesses fail. Related: Iconic ice cream, fast-food chain closing dozens of locations Passion goes only so far. Doing something you love can make it easier to put in long hours, make sacrifices, and do all the other things needed to give yourself a chance at success. A chance, however, is not the same as a guarantee. The competition in the beer business has become intense, with local breweries battling with regional and national brands. In many cases, markets have become saturated, so being really good is often not good enough. You must win recurring business in spaces where the biggest fans tend to want to try new things. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter Add in the added debt loads that many breweries took on during Covid and you can see the uphill battle most breweries face. In recent months, that has led to a bloodbath. Dozens of breweries have closed, and now another beloved brand has abruptly joined that list. The so-called beerpocalypse has claimed dozens of once-successful brands including San Francisco's Anchor Brewing, a leader in the craft-beer space. A number of other brands, including Chicago's Metropolitan Brewing, New Jersey's Flying Fish, Denver's Joyride Brewing, Tampa's Zydeco Brew Werks, Wisconsin's Great Dane Brewing, and Cleveland's Terrestrial Brewing, also fell into bankruptcy. Some markets were literally destroyed as San Antonio lost Weathered Souls Brewing and Busted Sandal Brewing in fall 2024, and Freetail Brewing Co. ended its beer distribution operations following that. The list is long and it has claimed some companies that had proved to be more than just a hobbyist's dream. "In 2013, Jekyll Brewing opened its doors to the public, offering a range of beers that reflected the founders' commitment to quality, craftsmanship and innovation," the company website said. "The brewery quickly gained a following, with beer enthusiasts from all over the state of Georgia flocking to Alpharetta to taste the latest offerings from Jekyll Brewing." More bankruptcy: Iconic auto repair chain franchise files Chapter 11 bankruptcyPopular beer brand closes down and files Chapter 7 bankruptcyPopular vodka and gin brand files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy The brand grew to five locations - four in Georgia and one in Florida. The company also won numerous awards including gold and silver medals at the Great American Beer Festival and the U.S. Open Beer Championship. "Today, Jekyll Brewing is recognized as one of the leading craft breweries in the Southeast, and its beers are available in bars, restaurants, and retail stores throughout Georgia and other nearby states," it added. "Despite its success, the brewery remains committed to its roots and its mission to create unique, flavorful beers that reflect the spirit and character of the Georgia coast." Jekyll Brewing abruptly closed its doors on May 11, Mother's Day, with its own posting about the shutdown on a members-only local beer Facebook page. DigitalDen shared the news on an Atlanta beer Reddit page: "It seems Jekyll Brewing will be the latest brewery to close in metro Atlanta. After news in February that the company had stopped producing kegs, rumors swirled that there was a deeper issue with the business. "Those rumors were realized Tuesday when Jekyll Brewing owner Michael Lundmark confirmed the imminent closure of all Jekyll Brewing locations via a post on Atlanta Beer Society, a local Facebook page." All Jekyll Brewing locations closed at the end of service on May 11. Not every comment was sympathetic to Jekyll Brewing. "It would help if they made better beer," posted Furthur. "Jekyll had a great launch and Tart Vice and their Marzen were great. Hop Dang was solid too and it's variants were fun. As per the cyclic conversation we've been having for years now, the market is oversaturated and there are a few distro houses you can blame for buying up rights, pushing their products onto shelves competing with themselves." Related: Popular casual restaurant chain files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy In fact, most of the comments on the Reddit thread, leaned toward negative. "Saw that coming a mile location was never busy even during peak times, overpriced (but very tasty) food, sub-par beer," Brohamz wrote. The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Taco Mac closing original Virginia-Highland location, other closures
The Brief Taco Mac has closed its original Virginia-Highland location after 46 years, marking a major milestone in the Atlanta-based brand's history. The closure is part of a strategic expansion plan, with new locations opening across Georgia and Alabama, including recent additions in Conyers and Macon. The space will be transitioned to Jack Brown's Beer & Burger Joint, while former Taco Mac employees have been offered positions at nearby locations. ATLANTA - After serving wings, beer, and sports fans for more than four decades, Taco Mac has officially closed the doors of its original Virginia-Highland location. What we know The Atlanta-based chain, which began as a single neighborhood bar in 1979, announced Monday that the iconic corner of N. Highland and Virginia Avenue is transitioning to a new restaurant concept as the company focuses on future growth. What they're saying "We are incredibly proud of what began in Virginia-Highlands 46 years ago," said Taco Mac CEO Harold Martin. "As we continue to evolve and grow, a part of our hearts will always remain on the corner of N. Highland and Virginia." The closure marks the end of an era for the flagship location that helped launch a brand now spanning 28 locations across the Southeast. Recent openings include restaurants in Macon and Conyers, Georgia, as well as Pelham, Alabama. According to company leadership, the decision reflects a strategic shift to invest in new markets and elevate the Taco Mac experience for guests. Martin emphasized that the closure is not a farewell, but a milestone in the company's broader expansion plans. "This isn't the end of the story — it's a milestone in our journey," he said. The Virginia-Highland space will soon be home to Jack Brown's Beer & Burger Joint. Team members affected by the closure have been offered roles at nearby Taco Mac locations. Meanwhile, fans of the brand are encouraged to visit other Atlanta-area restaurants to continue enjoying Taco Mac's signature wings, beer selection, and sports bar atmosphere. What you can do To celebrate its roots, Taco Mac plans to share guest memories and historic moments from the original location on social media. Customers are invited to post their own photos and stories using the hashtag #TacoMacBeginnings. What we know Jekyll Brewing closed all of its locations on May 11, according to Beer Street Journal. The announcement was made by owner and CEO Michael Lundmark. Additionally, the taco restaurant Bartaco in West Midtown closed on May 5. A message on their website simply says "See you around!" Previously announced closures Junior's Pizza in Summerhill announces closing with 'great sadness' More info Best End Brewing (White Street SW): Closing Jan. 1. No reason given for closure. More info. Torched Hop Brewery (Ponce de Leon Avenue): Closing after New Year's Eve. No reason given for closure. More info. West Egg Cafe (West Midtown): Closing on Dec. 29 after more than two decades in business. Cited decline in customers after COVID-19 pandemic. More info Boho115 (Decatur): Closed on Oct. 21 after just over a year in business. No reason was given. More info The Bookhouse Pub (Ponce de Leon): Announced closure in September, with a final date expected by January 31. More info BoruBoru Sushi (Emory Point): Closed on Oct. 30 with no explanation provided. More info CraveWell Cafe (Sandy Springs): Announced closure on Nov. 14 after six years in business, teasing a possible return in West Midtown. More info Damsel: Atlanta's first cabaret restaurant closed suddenly in September, citing operational challenges. More info Elsewhere Brewing: Both Grant Park and West Midtown locations closed on Oct. 28 due to a 40–50% drop in sales. More info The General Muir (Sandy Springs): Closed in late September, citing pandemic-related challenges. More info Georgetown Cupcake (Buckhead Village): Closed in late November. No explanation provided. More info Java Jive (Ponce de Leon Avenue): Closing in December after 31 years. More info Mi Barrio (Grant Park): Closed in August after 26 years, with owners citing retirement. More info Original Pancake House (Cheshire Bridge Road): Quietly closed in August after 35 years, possibly due to the massive fire across the street that destroyed a retail and apartment building. More info Pho Cue (Glenwood Park): Closed on Sept. 13 after three years. More info The Ivy (Buckhead): Closing after 14 years, with its final day on New Year's Eve. More info This Is It! (Panola Road): Closed due to Georgia Department of Transportation's traffic improvement plans. Taylor'd Bar-B-Q (Avondale Estates): Closed in November due to significant sales declines caused by nearby construction. More info Virgil's Gullah Kitchen and Bar (College Park): Destroyed by fire in October; owners vow to rebuild. More info Wahlburgers (The Battery Atlanta): Closed on Nov. 3; Shake Shack is slated to replace it. More info
