After seven years of operation in Milwaukee's Menomonee Valley, City Lights Brewing Company is set to pour its final pint this coming Saturday. The closure, announced by the company on their Facebook page, signifies the end of a local establishment that has become a fixture in the community since its inception in 2017. As why they've decided to permanently close, the brewery stated, "It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we announce the closing of City Lights Brewing Company," according to a Bay News 9 report. "After years of brewing incredible beers, serving delicious food, celebrating, and creating memories together, the time has come to close our doors for the last time this Saturday, 1/4."
The decision seems to have been wrought by economic difficulties, as the brewery disclosed facing "numerous challenges" that "have made it unsustainable to continue." This was shared in a statement detailed by JSONLINE and similarly echoed in a poignant post on the brewery's official Facebook page. The announcement does, however, leave a sliver of hope with the mention that City Lights Brewing's story "doesn’t end here," hinting at a future for the brewery's legacy.
Located at 2210 W. Mount Vernon Ave., City Lights Brewing opened its doors as a craft beer haven in 2017. The brewery quickly gained recognition for its contributions to brewing excellence, with its signature Hazy IPA earning them various awards. Patrons of the brewery could frequent not only for beer but also as a community hub, where they could experience everything from tranquil afternoons to festive events. "Your love for great beer, your smiles, and your unwavering support have made our brewery more than just a place—it has been a gathering spot, a hub of connection, and a home," noted the establishment in their heartfelt announcement, which was referenced in an article from WISN.
The brewery's shutdown follows a troubling trend for Wisconsin's beer lovers, as several other well-liked breweries have also recently announced closures, including MobCraft Beer and Leinenkugel’s Brewery, part of the Molson Coors company. As Milwaukee's City Lights Brewing prepares to finally close, it represents not only the loss of a popular local business but also the changing landscape of the craft beer industry in the state. The brewery will remain operational this Friday and Saturday, giving patrons a chance to possibly acquire one last taste of their favorite brews. In a somber reminder of what the brewery stood for, they added, "From the first pour to the final round, we’ve cherished every moment spent with you," as reported on JSONLINE.
