The massive New Belgium taproom at 1000a 3rd Street on San Francisco’s waterfront has closed less than three years after opening. The Colorado-based brewery announced the news Thursday afternoon, writing in a press release that its San Francisco taproom and restaurant will cease operations, effective today, February 1st. After careful consideration, we have decided to focus our investments on other hospitality businesses,” the email reads in part.
The company also added that it offered all San Francisco employees a severance package or the option to “remain in New Belgium in another capacity if they so choose.”
Beer fans may remember New Belgium Taproom’s much-hyped debut in April 2021, taking over Little Creatures’ expansive space in Mission Bay. This marks the popular brewery’s first foray into the Bay Area market, allowing the company to plant its flag not far from Oracle Park, home of the San Francisco Giants. They hired talented local chef couple Laura and Sayat Ozilmaz to develop the menu. The couple then opened their own restaurant, Dalida, which received acclaim from critics.
Meanwhile, the Bay Area beer industry has been experiencing tough times in recent years. Last year, Anchor Brewing, San Francisco’s oldest beer company, closed its doors after 127 years in business. And in 2022, Cellar Maker, one of the city’s most popular breweries, moved production to the East Bay after acquiring Rare Barrel. There are other consolidation moves in the local beer industry, including San Francisco’s Laughing Monk Brewing, which was acquired by Sunnyvale’s Faultline Brewing last year.