Lagunitas Brewery Chicago Closure: Impact on Craft Beer Industry

Lagunitas Brewing Company in Chicago announced the closure of its brewery and taproom, leading to a significant impact on the craft beer industry. The brewery, situated in North Lawndale, opened in 2014 and will be moving all brewing operations to their headquarters in Petaluma, California.

Employees were informed of the decision in an early morning meeting, with 86 employees expected to be affected by the move. While some will retain remote roles or relocate to California, a small number will continue working in the warehouse.

The closure is attributed to a decline in culture since Heineken N.V. acquired the company in 2017. The impact on employees has been described as chaotic and rudderless, with layoffs contributing to the negative shift in culture.

Despite the disappointment among employees, the closure reflects broader challenges within the craft beer industry. Lagunitas mentioned a need to future-proof the organization amidst industry changes, aiming for a more efficient and sustainable brewing practice.

The closure is scheduled for Aug. 1, emphasizing the company's commitment to Chicago as a priority market despite the brewery's shutdown.