GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The sudden closure of Creston Brewery has left a notable void in the heart of the Creston neighborhood, prompting concerns about the future of local businesses and the community’s vibrancy.
Creston Brewery, a neighborhood staple since 2016, announced its immediate closure on Monday, becoming the latest casualty in a series of Grand Rapids bars and restaurants shutting their doors. Originally opened by local owners on Plainfield Avenue at Quimby Street, the brewery briefly closed in 2020 due to the pandemic. It was later acquired by Saugatuck Brewing Company and reopened in the fall of 2021. However, citing the ongoing challenges within the craft beer industry, Saugatuck Brewing recently announced it would close both the Creston and Kalamazoo taprooms in order to shift focus toward beer distribution. The Douglas taproom, however, will remain open.
Kristina Colby, interim executive director of the Creston Neighborhood Association, expressed her shock and disappointment following the announcement. “I am just shocked and disappointed and confused about this closure of the Creston Brewery,” she said, reflecting on the brewery’s pivotal role in the neighborhood.
Over the years, Creston Brewery became a hub for both locals and organizations. Colby noted that many community groups, including her own, regularly hosted events at the brewery. “For it to not be there anymore, we’re kind of wondering what to do next,” Colby said.
The closure of the brewery not only impacts those who frequented the establishment but also reflects broader concerns about the challenges faced by small businesses in the region. As the local economy continues to face rising costs and uncertainties, Colby raised questions about the long-term sustainability of such businesses. “I think there’s a lot of maybe worry with where the economy is heading, with closures happening. We’re wondering what’s next,” she said.
For residents, the loss of the brewery is especially difficult because it symbolized a vibrant, walkable neighborhood with a range of amenities. Colby highlighted how the brewery contributed to a thriving community where people could grab a drink, enjoy a meal, and even access other services such as retail shops, massages, and haircuts.
“The neighborhood has grown a lot over the past few years. You could go stop in for a dinner and a drink at Creston Brewery, get a massage, get your haircut, do some retail shopping right there. It was a nice, walkable, vibrant area,” Colby explained.
The brewery also attracted new residents to the area. A neighbor who recently moved to the neighborhood mentioned that the brewery was one of the reasons they chose to live in Creston. “I just met with someone earlier today, a neighbor, and he said he just moved in last month and was excited to have a brewery right there,” Colby shared.
Saugatuck Brewing’s decision to close the Creston taproom and focus on distribution reflects the challenges many small businesses face in the wake of the pandemic and rising operational costs. While craft breweries have long been an integral part of the local economy, the financial strain has left some businesses struggling to survive.
As the neighborhood grapples with the loss of this community staple, Colby and others are left to wonder how to preserve the vibrancy that made Creston so unique. “Is just shopping locally enough, or is there something bigger going on?” she asked, pondering the path forward for both the community and its small businesses.
With new apartments opening in the area and several other businesses continuing to thrive, there is hope that the Creston neighborhood can continue to build on the foundation that establishments like Creston Brewery helped create. However, the closure serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of small businesses and the ongoing struggles faced by the craft beer industry.
As the neighborhood looks toward the future, many are left wondering what will come next to fill the gap left by Creston Brewery.
