Heineken To Permanently Close Lagunitas Chicago Brewery

The rumor mills is spinning already this morning as several employees of the Lagunitas Chicago Brewery have been laid off in what appears to be a permanent closure. Following Covid the taproom was closed for a long period of time so it looks like this will spell the end of the brewery on Aug 1st 2024. Stay tuned for PR and full details.

This update from ABC Chicago:

Lagunitas Brewing Company is closing its brewing, packaging and restaurant at its Chicago location this summer, according to a letter sent to employees and obtained by ABC7 Chicago Thursday.

The letter said a small number of employees will remain working in the warehouse at the 1843 S. Washtenaw Ave. location.

The closure is expected Aug. 1, the letter said.

In a news release, the brewery said it plans to move its Chicago brewing operations to Lagunitas’ original brew house in Petaluma, California.

The changes will affect 86 employees, some of whom will retain remote roles or relocate to California, the release said.

Others will receive retention incentives to work through the transition, as well as departure packages, including support services and job-placement assistance, the release said.

“We are committed to managing this transition thoughtfully, smoothly and with deep respect for our valued Chicago Lagunitas employees,” said Sam Kennedy, a Lagunitas spokesperson.