The craft beer community in Atlanta is facing a sobering reality as yet another local establishment has announced its impending closure. Steady Hand Beer Co., a staple in northwest Atlanta for nearly six years, is closing its doors after this coming weekend, according to an announcement made on the brewery's Facebook page. The brewery, located on Ellsworth Industrial Blvd. NW, expressed gratitude for the community of beer enthusiasts and neighbors who frequented their space, enhancing the local beer scene with their presence and support.
While Steady Hand did not elaborate on the factors leading to its closure, they are not alone in their struggle. Just a week prior, according to Channel 2 Action News, Oconee Brewing Company in north Georgia was reported to be fighting to keep its business alive amidst a staggering debt exceeding $1 million. Earlier in the year, Pontoon Brewing in Sandy Springs also shut down, blaming obsolete "prohibition-era" laws for their inability to sell products directly to retailers.
Adding to the list of recent closures is Torched Hop Brewery, a favored destination for enthusiasts of craft IPAs and inventive bar food on Ponce de Leon Avenue. After eight years and eight months of operation, the brewery announced on Instagram that it will not be renewing its lease for the new year, with its final day of business slated for December 31. The Bivins brothers, who founded Torched Hop Brewery in 2016, reminisced in the post about the friendships and memories fostered within the establishment's walls, while not providing specific details on the decision to close.
These closures point to broader challenges within Atlanta's restaurant and brewery industry, with a slew of other venues also shutting down recently. West Egg Cafe in West Midtown, Boho115 in Decatur, and The Ivy in Buckhead are among those that have cited a variety of reasons ranging from the pandemic's impact on customer turnout to local traffic plans affecting operations. Likewise, FOX 5 Atlanta has detailed other establishments that have ceased operations, such as Java Jive closing after 31 years and Wahlburgers at The Battery Atlanta being replaced by Shake Shack. In every case, the farewells have been bittersweet, with business owners and patrons feeling the weight of an era's ending.
