Several craft breweries in the United States and Canada are closing locations or filing for bankruptcy amid industry challenges. Factors include rising costs, shifting consumer preferences, and regulatory issues. These closures highlight broader struggles in the craft beer sector.
The craft beer industry is experiencing a wave of closures and financial difficulties in early 2026. In Nova Scotia, Canada, Danny O’Hearn, co-owner of Nine Locks Brewing Company, expressed worries about the brewery’s future due to the federal government’s 'alcohol escalator' tax hike of two per cent, effective April 1, 2026.
In Idaho, the Ram Restaurant & Brewery in Meridian announced its closure after 22 years, with the last day of operation on Friday, March 6, 2026. The social media post stated, “After 22 great years, the Meridian Ram Restaurant & Brewery will be closing after dinner on Friday, March 6th,” thanking team members and loyal guests. The Boise location will remain open. The Meridian property at 3272 E. Pine Ave. is listed for sale at $3.995 million.
In Ohio, Black Frog Brewery owner Chris Harris announced the closure of the Holland tap room, opened in 2016 after starting in his garage in 2014. A farewell party is planned for March 28, 2026. The Cleveland location, opened in 2025 and described as the city’s first Black-owned brewery, will continue operating under Harris’s son.
In North Carolina, MOBA Beer in Leland, which opened in August 2025 at 9600 Ploof Road, is closing after seven months. Owner Jason “Foz” Fosdick said, “MOBA absolutely loved and enjoyed our time in Leland,” with more announcements possible soon. The brewery has scheduled food trucks and specials through March 7, 2026.
In Florida, Palm Folly Hard Seltzer LLC filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy on March 1, 2026, in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Florida, listing assets of $65,423 and liabilities of $1,205,919.44. Gross revenue for 2025 was $272,563.49, down 18 per cent from the previous year. The filing notes no funds for unsecured creditors after expenses.
In British Columbia, Canada, Beard’s Brewing Company in Fort St. John, which began in 2017, is up for sale. Separately, in Australia, Terella Brewing on the Sunshine Coast faces closure due to alleged breaches of the Planning Act, with co-founder Brandt Bamford calling for a council review. A council statement emphasized, “This comes down to fairness and safety,” stressing compliance with rules for approvals, insurance, and traffic management.
These cases reflect industry pressures such as declining demand, higher costs, and changing habits toward non-alcoholic options, as noted in reports on U.S. craft beer challenges.
