Metropolitan Brewing, a notable figure in Chicago's craft brewing landscape since 2008, will cease its operations on December 17. The closure follows an extended eviction dispute and financial struggles. As the brewery wraps up, the founders are shifting their focus to "new adventures," leaving patrons to enjoy the last batches of their favorite drafts.
As reported by the Chicago Tribune, a prolonged eviction struggle due to unresolved differences with landlord Rockwell Properties led to the brewery's eventual demise. Metro's founder Doug Hurst reminiscences about the brewery's contributions to the Chicago craft brewing culture.
As Block Club Chicago highlighted, Metro was grappling with low retail sales and a longstanding rent contention that compelled them to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in October. The company hoped for a financial reorganization with a recovery plan designed to pay off creditors and salvage over a $1 million deficit in rent and fees. Despite these efforts, the strategy was dismissed, leading to the brewery's operations winding down.
Examining further, Rockwell Properties had launched a lawsuit in November 2020 to oust Metro, which sparked a counter-litigation from Metro. The contention arose around the dispute concerning the measurements of the rented space and allegations that Rockwell illegitimately amplified the total square footage in the 15-year lease contract.
According to Block Club Chicago, Metropolitan Brewing's journey from Ravenswood to its present location in Rockwell on the River has won the hearts of many, commemorating memories of gatherings and events in the pet-friendly venue. Metro has over the years hosted yoga and bingo sessions, the aim to fuse quality craft beers with community togetherness.
After an almost 15-year run, Metropolitan Brewing adds to the accumulating tally of Chicago breweries that have withdrawn from the industry, including Lo Rez Brewing in Pilsen and Rock Bottom Brewery in River North. Nonetheless, Metro's upcoming closure underscores the escalating challenges endured by local enterprises in recent unpredictable circumstances.
In spite of the grim news, Metro's conclusive offerings include Krankshaft, a light, Kolsch-style beer, and a parting special, Generator Doppelbock, which recently won bronze at Chicago's Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer. These beers can currently be purchased in stores throughout Illinois and Wisconsin, as well as directly from the taproom, which will bolster a vast to-go section until its final day of operation.
