A Five Points craft beer business has announced its closure, citing financial challenges that have resulted in a wave of small brewery closures throughout the nation.
Alewife Craft Beer Bottle Shop and Tasting Room announced on Facebook that it will not extend its lease at 1035 Park St., as the 10-year contract is coming to an end.
“This is a decision we have been agonizing over for the past few months and it truly hurts us to make it,” according to the message.
The decision was influenced by developments in the craft beer business, which have impacted establishments around the United States, including Jacksonville. Inflation, rising raw material prices, greater competition, and swings in consumer spending have all contributed to the closure of hundreds of American brewers during the past several years.
In Jacksonville, breweries that have closed in the last two years include Tabula Rasa Brewing in the Rail Yard District, Pinglehead Brewing Co. in Orange Park, Lemonstreet Brewing Co. in the Rail Yard District, and Hyperion Brewing Co. in Springfield.
Other breweries and brewpubs debuted in Jacksonville during that period, such as Voodoo Brewing Co. in San Marco, Jekyll Brewing in Jacksonville Beach, and Grace Note Brewing in October.
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Alewife also cited Five Points alterations as a reason for its decision to close, stating, “We don’t have the energy or resources it would take to make this space successful enough to support what the current market rate demands.”
“We have the option to move away on our terms, with time to say goodbye and appreciate all Alewife has meant to us. So, we’re taking it,” the message stated.
According to the article, the firm will organize events until October before shutting. A closing date has not been established.
Jacksonville City Council member Jimmy Peluso, whose District 7 encompasses Five Points, shared the shutdown news, mentioning that he celebrated his election victory at the institution. He praised Alewife cofounders Kelly Pickard and Jamie Burket for “helping make our community feel special & focused on small business.”