David McLain cited downtown's real estate market as one of the reasons he's closing his 8-year-old brewery in Charleston. That coupled with the need for more production space led McLain to the decision to shutter Fatty's Beer Works ' taproom. But the popular brewery isn't going away completely.
The brewery will end its tenure at 1436 Meeting Street Road in late September, McLain said on social media . The decreasing taproom attendance that's been reported by other local brewers was among the reasons he came to the decision. Charleston breweries want new food programs to energize taprooms.
Does it work? "We are dealing with extraordinary economic times right now and the complexion of the downtown Charleston real estate market has become quite a challenge," he said. Fatty's is the second downtown Charleston brewery to close in as many months. Tradesman Brewing Co.
, whose beers have won 13 national awards, shuttered Aug. 18. The owners said the taproom closure was a mutual decision between the brewery's ownership group and their landlord.
They are currently searching for a space to house a new taproom and will continue South Carolina distribution of beers through a contract brewing partnership in town. Today's Top Headlines Story continues below 2 SC deaths may be linked to a national contaminated deli meat outbreak 'Southern Charm' stars, Share House owners finalizing touches on new Charleston tavern Clemson's Dabo Swinney recalls Head Ball Coach's call after opening loss Ocea.