Catawba Brewing Company Shuts Down Temporarily Due to Debts

News Summary

Catawba Brewing Company has announced a temporary closure of its Asheville taproom and production facility due to unresolved debts and an expired lease. The brewery plans to relocate and reopen later this spring but faces concerns regarding unpaid bills and employee impact. The closure has left staff without severance and raised questions about the brewery’s financial health and overall viability in the local craft beer scene.

Catawba Brewing Company Shuts Down Temporarily as Debts Come to Light

Asheville is buzzing in response to the sudden decision by Catawba Brewing Company to temporarily close its taproom and production facility located in the heart of the South Slope. The official word is that the brewery’s lease has expired, but insiders say there’s more brewing beneath the surface.

Closure Timeline and Future Plans

The announcement came much to the surprise of loyal customers and employees alike, with the last day of operations at the current location on 32 Banks Ave. marked for March 23. While premises will be shuttered for now, the brewery has plans to reopen at a new location later this spring. The hope is that it will emerge stronger, but many are left wondering about the decisions that led to this abrupt move.

Impact on Employees

Unpaid Debts and Claims

Rickey McKinney, the owner of Topline Trucking, claims Catawba Brewing owes a staggering $103,274.45 for unpaid services. This isn’t the first time Catawba has faced scrutiny of this nature; in fact, McKinney noted that similar issues occurred at their Morganton site earlier this year, followed closely by closures in Wilmington and Charlotte.

There seems to be a trail of unpaid invoices that is raising eyebrows in the small business community. Allegations indicate that Catawba Brewing has repeatedly promised payment only to leave business partners high and dry. McKinney’s frustrations tap into a larger concern regarding the brewery’s financial health, with whispers of potential bankruptcy making their rounds in the community.

Changes Since Ownership Transition

Made By the Water, and since then, operational changes have negatively affected the brewery’s standing in the local beer scene. Once known for its popular White Zombie wheat beer—which enjoyed a robust presence in bars, stores, and even stadiums throughout North Carolina—the brewery’s recent trajectory has taken a troubling turn. Bhramari, concerns about the overall viability of local breweries are growing. The community is left to wonder whether this trend will continue, as beloved establishments face mounting obstacles.

Looking Ahead

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Additional Resources

Author: HERE Asheville

HERE Asheville

Recent Posts

NCDHHS Suspends Admissions to Asheville Academy

News Summary The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has suspended all admissions…

10 hours ago

UNC Asheville Music Department to Receive $1 Million Donation

News Summary The University of North Carolina at Asheville has announced a $1 million donation…

10 hours ago

Asheville Tourism Struggles Post-Hurricane Helene

News Summary Asheville's tourism sector is facing significant challenges after Hurricane Helene, with local businesses…

10 hours ago

Former Police Chief Makes Shocking Prison Escape

News Summary Grant Hardin, a former police chief serving an 80-year sentence for murder and…

12 hours ago

Elon Musk Steps Down from Government Role Amid Controversies

News Summary Elon Musk has announced his resignation as a Special Government Employee, where he…

13 hours ago

HHS Secretary Alters COVID-19 Vaccine Guidelines for Kids and Pregnant Women

News Summary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, has unexpectedly reversed…

13 hours ago