KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Kalamazoo-based Tibbs Brewing Company has announced that it will be closing permanently. Its final day open will be Saturday, October 3.
In a Facebook post Wednesday, the brewery released a statement explaining its decision, citing COVID-19 restrictions as factors.
That statement can be read in full below, including details about its final celebration:
“They say that all good things must come to an end and our adventure is no different. After 7 amazing years we have decided to close Tibbs Brewing Company. Our current lease expires in December, and with the Covid restrictions weighing heavy on our minds, we have made the decision not to execute our extension option. Our last day of operation will be Saturday, October 3rd.
This post isn’t meant to be sad and please don’t feel sorry for us. The success that we’ve had and the friends that we’ve made have far exceeded anything we imagined when we first started planning the brewery in early 2012. It’s still hard to believe that we went from “brewing” Mr. Beer kits at home on our stovetop to producing close to 600 professional batches of beer at the brewery. Along the way we have witnessed first dates, anniversaries, wedding proposals, bachelor/bachelorette parties, baby showers, and we even hosted a wedding. We’ve watched strangers at the bar strike-up a conversation and become best friends. We’ve also had the honor of being with you after major life events like the birth of a child/grand-child or the loss of a loved one. The fact that you came to celebrate, or mourn, those events with us will forever touch our hearts.
We would like to invite everyone to join us on Saturday, October 3rd, from 12pm-10pm for one last get together. With the current state mandated capacity limits we are under, having this party inside isn’t feasible. That’s why we have applied for our Social District permit to allow drinks on the sidewalks around the brewery. This will put us all outside with plenty of room to socially distance. There will be a few faces from the past there pouring beers for you and Chef RJ is going to be on the patio cooking up some delicious grub. This is a party for YOU. YOU are what made Tibbs Brewing Company a special place and we’d love to show you our appreciation one last time.
We would also love for you to share some of your favorite memories or photos with us in the comments.
With deepest gratitude,
The Tibbs Family.”
Tibbs is only the latest business in the Kalamazoo area to close permanently due to the pandemic.
In June, local breakfast eatery Station 702 announced that it would be closing its doors. Prior to that, both the Kalamazoo location of Moe’s Southwest Grill and the Bravo! restaurant in Portage announced closures for similar reasons.
Comments