The owners of 8 Degrees Plato, a beloved Detroit destination for craft beer lovers, have announced that they will permanently close the bar and store at the end of this year. In a heartfelt social media post, owners Tim Costello and his wife, Brigid Beaubien, shared the news, explaining their decision to retire. "After countless sleepless nights and anxious days, Brigid and myself have decided to retire from the beer store/beer bar business and close the Detroit location on December 31st, 2024," they wrote on Facebook.
Despite their long-standing dedication to the community and the business they have operated for nearly a decade, the couple shared their intention to pursue other personal goals. The announcement comes after a planned sale of the business fell through. "We had a purchase agreement in place to sell the store that unfortunately fell through recently," the couple conveyed, as reported by the ClickOnDetroit article. They plan to continue operations as usual in the interim, promising updates to come via social media.
8 Degrees Plato has been known not only as a bar but also as a unique beer shopping experience, offering both local and international selections. It was often a pregame stop for sports fans attending events at Little Caesars Arena. The shop’s name references a brewing measurement unit and serves as a tribute to the philosopher Plato, as explained by Costello in the past, according to Detroit Free Press.
The craft beer industry has experienced challenges recently, with several establishments across Michigan closing their doors. Among those that have shut down are Ascension Brewing, Artic Circle, Brite Eyes Brewing, and Two Bandits Brewing. These closures may be indicative of broader trends in the industry, influenced by factors such as changing consumer preferences and increased competition.
Before closing, 8 Degrees Plato plans to host a couple of community events, including a CHILI COOK-OFF on December 8, with all proceeds to be donated, as revealed on the Facebook announcement. The store also anticipates throwing a final grand party on December 28—hinting at a 'Steve' theme, though no promises were made.
