Catawba Brewing Company’s locations in Charlotte and Wilmington, North Carolina have been closed by Made By the Water, the portfolio company of family office Wiregrass Equity Partners, according to reports.
A sign on the door of the Wilmington location announced last Wednesday the closure of the location, which was scrubbed from Catawba’s website by Thursday, according to the Wilmington Star-News.
The following Monday (yesterday), the company also closed the Charlotte location after six years.
Made By the Water brand manager Sam Gautreau told the Charlotte Business Journal that the company is now seeking “a better location” in Charlotte’s South End with more foot traffic.
Charlotte employees posted to social media that they received no notice or severance pay. One employee told the Business Journal that four full-time and eight part-time employees were let go. The Charlotte location was also scrubbed from the brewery’s website.
A call to Made By the Water CEO Alexi Sekmakas went to voicemail, which was full. An email requesting comment was not returned as of press time.
Made By the Water acquired Catawba in 2021. In September 2022, the company merged with New Orleans-based Faubourg Brewing Company, with Made By the Water moving its headquarters to the Faubourg. At the time, Sekmakas told Brewbound the combined entity planned to widen the portfolios of both Faubourg and Catawba, as well as Made by the Water’s other two craft brands, Palmetto and Oyster City.
The latest closure came less than a year after the controversial closing of its Morganton location, with production moved to New Orleans (the home of Faubourg). The transition was announced in October, with Catawba laying off 10 full-time employees. At the time, Sekmakas told Brewbound the location would remain open for at least a month, as the company wanted to “maintain a taproom footprint within the city.”
A Change.org petition was started to try and save the Morganton taproom, which garnered more than 1,700 signatures. However, the brewery’s last day open was November 27, with the location later bought by Asheville-based Hillman Beer, which is now renovating the building and has opened a temporary location across the street, the News Herald reported.
Update August 16, 11:28 AM ET
Catawba shared a press release with Brewbound Wednesday August 16 at 10:02 AM ET commenting on the closure news. The release is copied in full below:
Catawba Brewing Company Embarks on a New Chapter: Relocation of Charlotte Taproom and Closure of Wilmington Location
Catawba Brewing Company announced its strategic plans to enhance the taproom experience for its patrons as well as further invest in new wholesale opportunities. In an effort to better serve the growing craft beer community, Catawba Brewing Company will be relocating its Charlotte taproom to a soon to be announced new location near Charlotte’s bustling rail trail, while bidding farewell to its Wilmington taproom.
The new Charlotte taproom will offer greater visibility and a vibrant atmosphere for customers as well as partnerships. This move reflects Catawba’s commitment to providing a welcoming and unique environment that complements the city’s dynamic culture. South End neighborhood, with its energetic atmosphere and bustling pedestrian traffic, will provide the perfect backdrop for friends, families, and craft beer enthusiasts to come together and enjoy Catawba’s exceptional brews.
“It’s with a heavy heart that we announce the permanent closure of our Wilmington area taproom, and we want to express our gratitude to the wonderful community that has supported us over the years,” said Alexi Sekmakas, CEO of Catawba. “The decision to close the Wilmington location was not made lightly, but it allows for greater investment in the brand and with our wholesale partners in North Carolina.
Catawba Brewing Company extends a warm “thank you” to all our employees and patrons who have been the heart and soul of our Wilmington taproom. Their dedication, passion, and hard work have contributed immensely to the incredible journey we’ve had in Wilmington. We are immensely proud ofwhat we’ve achieved together and will always cherish the memories created within those walls.
As we embark on this exciting new chapter, Catawba Brewing Company wishes to thank our distributor partners, Adams Beverages, Budweiser of AVL, and RH Barringer for their continued support. Catawba remains steadfast in its commitment to our partners and to crafting exceptional beers and fostering memorable experiences for years to come.
For further updates and details about Catawba Brewing Company, please visit our website at www.CatawbaBrewing.com or on social media @CatawbaBrewing.