A wave of closures is hitting the Moore County craft beer scene as three prominent locations announced they will shutter operations by the end of December: Southern Pines Brewing Company, Hatchet Brewing Company, and the Buggy Factory. This comes on the heels of Southern Pines Brewing’s Air Tool Drive location closing a few weeks ago.
Hatchet Brewing Company, a fixture in the community for six years, will close its doors following its final day of service on Sunday, Dec. 28. In a statement posted to social media, the brewery attributed the decision to a “series of challenges,” including declining distribution, production setbacks, and a drop in retail sales during “the recent government shutdown.”
Management also pointed to broader economic factors impacting the industry nationwide.
“All of this amid perpetually rising inflation and increasing costs of raw materials, equipment, utilities, and labor—pressures impacting the brewing industry across the nation—which have made it increasingly difficult to operate sustainably,” read the post. “Together, these have created financial pressures we can no longer overcome.”
The news comes as Southern Pines Brewing Company prepares to close its final remaining locations, too. The brewery previously held its final day of operations at its main taproom and production facility after 11 years in business. All locations, including the company’s Pennsylvania Avenue location, are saying goodbye.
Accordingly, the Buggy Factory, operated by Southern Pines Brewing in the historic Tyson and Jones Buggy Company building, will close effective Dec. 31. The announcement marks a reversal from earlier month-to-month projections that the Carthage site would remain open.
“While we truly hoped the concept could generate enough revenue to sustain itself, our current financial reality and circumstances beyond our control makes it necessary to close,” the company said in a statement.
Despite the closure, ownership expressed pride in preserving the historic structure for future use.
Feature photo: Southern Pines Brewing Company on Pennsylvania Ave. Photo via Southern Pines Brewing Company social media page.Â
Abegail Murphy | Assistant Editor
Article by Sandhills Sentinel Assistant Editor Abegail Murphy. Abegail has been writing for Sandhills Sentinel since 2021.
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