These days, as craft breweries face challenges in a changing market, some people quickly blame other beverages. “People are drinking more cider and seltzer and less beer these days,” I’ve heard too many people say. This news from Locust Cider proves that beer is not the only adult beverage struggling amid so many market challenges—it’s all alcoholic beverages.
I wrote the above paragraph just about one year ago, when Locust Cider announced that it was closing seven of its 14 taprooms. Today, the company announced that it is closing four of its remaining six taprooms. If the Washington-born company is guilty of anything, it is guilty of expanding too fast and too much, though some might suggest a company needs to strike while the iron is hot. Whatever the case, today’s news is unfortunate.
“We have made the incredibly difficult decision to permanently close four of our six taprooms,” Locust Cider said on social media today. “Locust Cider Woodinville, Locust Cider Market Place, and Locust Cider Spokane will close at the end of the year so our teams have time to transition and our community has a chance to stop in again and say goodbye. Locust Cider Post Alley will be permanently closed starting today.”
The statement continued, “Locust Cider Gig Harbor will remain open as a full service taproom and arcade, and we are hoping to establish a new managing partner in Fort Collins to evolve Locust Cider Fort Collins into a stand alone fully gluten-free celiac-safe restaurant.”
“The cost of operating taprooms has risen faster than we’ve been able to keep up with, even with amazing support from all of you. To protect the future of the brand, we need to focus fully on what’s working: getting our ciders to more people through restaurants, bars, and grocery stores. Cider production and distribution will continue without interruption, and we’re already developing exciting new flavors for 2026 and beyond.”
“This industry has been in constant transition since 2020. Costs have skyrocketed, and we simply couldn’t raise prices at the rate needed to keep pace. But we remain optimistic. Nothing replaces the magic of gathering with others over great food and drinks. We need places to meet, connect, and breathe, and the business of hospitality will thrive again.”
“We hope customers everywhere will have patience and understanding with the restaurant and bar owners who are still fighting to hold on. Many are carrying the weight quietly while waiting for stability to return.”
“We are incredibly proud of our taproom teams, both past and present, and deeply grateful to everyone who has visited, supported us, and shared a pint with us over the last 10 years. You helped grow a business built on human connection. We raised over $100,000 for the Hydrocephalus Association, shared our story, opened thousands of people’s eyes to what cider can be, and created connections we will never forget.”
“As for Locust Cider, our next chapter is about growth, innovation, and reaching more people where our ciders are already thriving. Thank you for taking this journey with us.”
