Popular brewery shutters San Francisco location amid industry woes

A Northern California brewery has become the latest victim of declining alcohol consumption after it announced the closure of its taproom in a trendy San Francisco neighborhood.“We’re sharing that our San Francisco Tasting Room will close Today, Monday, June 29,” a message on Ballast Point Brewing’s Instagram page read about the closure of its location in Mission Bay.“We’re grateful to everyone who visited, shared a beer, celebrated milestones, and made this location part of the local craft beer community over the years.”“Thank you for your support and for the memories we’ve made together,” it added.Started in San Diego’s Home Brew Mart in 1992, the craft beer company has been a favorite of IPA lovers for decades, according to their website.Known for fan-favorite brews like Fathom, Sculpin and Longfin IPA — the San Diego beer maker rocketed from local favorite to craft brewing giant after opening a flagship brewery and restaurant in the city’s Little Italy neighborhood in 2013.By 2015, Ballast Point had become one of the country’s top craft breweries by sales volume — and landed a staggering $1 billion buyout from Constellation Brands.But the brewery’s fortunes quickly went flat.Just five years later, Constellation unloaded Ballast Point to Chicago-based brewer Kings & Convicts in a deal reportedly worth less than $100 million, according to Food & Wine.Even as ownership changed hands, Ballast Point continued expanding its footprint, opening restaurants and tasting rooms across California between 2013 and 2023 — including its San Francisco location, which debuted in 2023, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.Three years later the company announced to fans it was leaving, with no explanation as to why.It also pointed out people could still visit their tasting rooms in “Little Italy, Anaheim, and Long Beach” and find their beers at their favorite “local bars, restaurants, and grocery stores.”“To everyone who supporte...