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Catawba Brewing Company Shuts Down Temporarily Due to Debts

Empty taproom of Catawba Brewing Company

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.