The craft beer industry has faced declining sales that have contributed to brewery closures over the last three years.
U.S. beer production and imports declined by 1% in 2024, and craft brewer volume sales dropped by 4% in 2024 and about 5% in 2025, according to a Brewers Association report.
The craft beer industry faced 385 brewery closures in 2023 and another 399 closings in 2024, according to the Brewers Association.
The industry downturn led to more brewery closures than openings in 2025, with 434 shutting down and 268 opening by mid-December 2025, Brewbound reported on social media.
The downturn in the craft beer industry has continued into 2026 with more closings.
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Wheelie Pop Brewing closes location
Award-winning beer brand Wheelie Pop Brewing will close its production facility and taproom in Seattle’s Ballard Brewery District on June 14, according to a company Instagram post.
The company did not give a reason for closing the location.
Wheelie Pop Brewing‘s Mill Creek/North Bothell taproom, about 12 miles north of Seattle, is still operating.
The company has not revealed any plans for the Mill Creek/North Bothell location or where it will brew its beer after the Ballard brewery closes.
“After much consideration, we’re sad to announce that Sunday, June 14th, will be the last day of operations for our Ballard brewery and taproom,” the company said in an Instagram post.
“We’d like to thank everyone who has visited and supported us for the past 4.5 years on this journey. Special thanks to the pit crew mug club members, the regular customers that we’ve gotten to know and become friends with, the local breweries that we’ve had the opportunity to work with and get to know, and the bars and restaurants that supported us,” the post said.
Customers respond on social media
Dozens of the brewery’s fans responded to the company’s messages on social media, including one who was thankful for the remaining Mill Creek/North Bothell location.
“So glad you’ll still have the other taproom!” said Racer_X_Rex.
Wheelie Pop Brewing offered one response on Instagram.
“Not much else to say at the moment except thanks again to everyone that has supported us,” the company wrote.
Brewery creates farewell beer
Wheelie Pop Brewing’s beer selections include a new farewell brew called So Long and Thanks For All the Hangovers Hazy IPA, a New England-style IPA.
Another new beer is War Pig IPA, which is a West Coast IPA.
Brewer wins awards
Wheelie Pop Brewing’s beers have impressed many judges at beer competitions, as the company has won 17 awards from 2022 through 2025, including a gold medal for its Ascari Amber at the 2023 Denver International Beer Competition.
The brewery also won a gold medal for its Veloce Italian Pilsner (Fresh Hop)in 2024 at SIP Magazine’s Best of the NW Fresh Hop Beer Awards.
Wheelie Pop Brewing’s founders Mark Silverstein and Jeremy Johnson opened the Ballard brewery and taproom in December 2021, based on their love of motorcycles, racing, and beer.
Wheelie Pop Brewing beers:
- So Long and Thanks For All the Hangovers Hazy IPA
- War Pig IPA
- Namazu Rice Lager
- Mt. Crushless NW Pilsner
- Velocitation IPA
- Tifosi Italian-Style Pilsner
- Night Terrors Black IPA
- Mohr Street Pilsner
- Rabbit Ear IPA
- Ascari Amber
- Powerslde Oatmeal Stout
- Source: Wheelie Pop Brewing
Related: Beloved retail chain closes all stores after 46 years in business
