I have never been, though I live in Oakland County, it is a can't get there from here place. The previous brewer is someone I have met. He moved on a little while ago. Maybe that was a hint all was not well.
I was there only once (in 2013) shortly after they opened. I liked the place and the beers, although we had only a sampler flight. Something must have changed to start a downturn, and losing a proven brewer can be a good reason.
Went there once and I didn't like any of their beer. Food was decent and the place was nice but the beer was not good IHMO. Shame cuz I live 10 min from there.
Had a couple of their beers at festivals and thought they were decent. I have a friend that could walk there, but never went, so maybe it just wasn't the right location. I did not know about them losing a brewer, but can only wonder if this won't be the only closing in the next 12 months.
I like this place, but I bet there will be a whole lot of announcements like this in the near future. Thumb coast brewing in Port Huron just announced that they will be closing as well. Too many damn breweries, and not enough good ones.
Bravo Zulu in Acme Mi closed at the end of the summer. North port Brewing ceased operations in July and is leased by Mitten Brewing and serves Mitten's beers. Is this a trend?
Not really surprised. In some areas we are seeing a saturation of the market, other places the demand isn't being met. I live in Monroe and the closest brewery is 25 miles away.
Meanwhile, I live in Jackson - a lower income blue collar / Bud Lite sort of city with a population of barely 30,000. Saw that a 5th brewery is about to open. Don't see any way that they'll all still be open in a couple of years.
Similar situation, I live within 20 minutes of this place but have only been once. From what I understand about the situation with 51 North, the building they currently rent out is no longer an option for them to run their Brewery out of. The owner of the property wants to use the building for another business venture. I think they have known this for a few months now and may have been one of the reasons why their brewer (who won a World Cup gold medal for a beer he brewed while at 51 North) left and now works at another brewery (Axle I believe). Falling Down Beer Company's Oxford location will be open soon so at least the area won't be completely void of a brewery.
The was an article not long ago about the food team that signed up for the kitchen. Might have to check that out when we make a Schramm's run. Edit - He said he will be making beer styles that are more to his liking, he is not a fan of Belgian styles.
It is a real shame the place is closing as it is within walking distance from home and downtown LO needs an alternative to the Mexican place and ribs. That being said the place seemed to lose its focus...Don and Mary were great but I think maybe things got a little too cute with the beers and maybe with the Stockyard opening up just up the road that hurt business. I just hope the place doesn't stay vacant.
I hate to see a place close..but Id been there twice since it opened and I was not impressed with the beer or the food. There wasn't going to be a third time... I also think we are getting to a point of oversaturation of breweries too and there is bound to be some attrition.....
