After eight years of serving craft beer and bringing people together at Crosstown Concourse, Crosstown Brewing Co. is preparing to close its doors on Saturday, Oct. 17.
This marks the end of a local business that became part of the social scene and collective identity around Crosstown Concourse.
Founded by Will Goodwin and Clark Ortkiese, Crosstown Brewing opened in February 2018 at 1264 Concourse Ave. The brewery grew out of the founders’ enthusiasm for craft beer and their belief in the power of community, a vision that fit naturally with the revitalization of the former Sears distribution center into Crosstown Concourse.
“I know it sounds cliché,”
Goodwin told The Commercial Appeal on Oct. 15, confirming the news. “And I have to remind myself of this. But it actually gives me peace to know how much we meant to the community. I love so many of our beers, but that’s what I will miss most.”
Goodwin described this turn of events as “a fairly long time coming,” saying “financial reasons" led to the closure.
He continued: “I’m sad for my team. I’m sad for my family. But again, I’m mostly sad for the incredible community.”
Over the years, the brewery developed a following among Memphis beer drinkers with offerings such as Traffic IPA and Siren Blonde. Its taproom also became a gathering place for trivia nights, live music, special events and casual meetups with friends.
For Crosstown Brewing, the business was about more than what was poured into a glass. The taproom offered a place for neighbors, visitors and people working in the surrounding neighborhood to come together over a locally made product.
The closure brings an end to a chapter in Memphis’ independent craft beer scene, where locally owned breweries have sought to build loyal followings while competing for customers in an ever-changing food and beverage market.
When asked what he’d like The Commercial Appeal's readers to know, Thompson answered, “The distributor is still open and our draft beers will be available at local area restaurants and bars until supply runs out.”
Brian Strickland is the Food & Dining reporter at The Commercial Appeal. Contact him at brian.strickland@commercialappeal.com.
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This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Crosstown Brewing to permanently close after 8 years in Memphis
