Lagunitas Brewing Co. to Close Chicago Brewery, Taproom

Lagunitas will move its brewery operations to California and close its Chicago taproom. The company announced the news in a statement. It said it would still maintain the operation of the Chicago warehouse, but the taproom within the brewery would close permanently.

“We are committed to managing this transition thoughtfully, smoothly and with deep respect for our valued Chicago Lagunitas employees,” Sam Kennedy, a Lagunitas spokesperson, said in the news release. The closure will impact 86 local employees who will move to work at the California facility or transition to remote roles

Lagunitas cited the need to “future proof the organization” as changing tides continue to impact the craft beverage industry as a driver for closing the Chicago facility. The brewery, founded in Petaluma, California, in 1993, opened the Chicago facility in 2014. Lagunitas will continue to serve beers at partner bars, restaurants and stores in the Chicago area.

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