April 4th 2024.
After just two years since its opening, Charlotte's first Black-owned brewery, Weathered Souls, has announced its official closure due to financial struggles. In a heartfelt Facebook post, the taproom invited everyone to come out for a final "last call" on April 6th before shutting its doors for good. "It is with a heavy heart that we announce the closure of our Charlotte brewery," they wrote. "We invite you to stock up on beer, bring your growlers, and help us kick our kegs. This is our last call in Charlotte, but here's to the next chapter!"
Despite their efforts to keep the business afloat, the brewery has been facing financial challenges over the past few months. Their Instagram page showcased a variety of successful events, including a sold-out Black Trivia Night, Open Mic Night, and a comedy show. However, co-owner Mike Holt admitted that it had been a "drain" to keep the brewery running. They even secured investors, but with rising inflation and expensive renovation costs, it became clear that the brewery could no longer sustain itself. "I desperately didn't want to close," Holt shared. "But it has been a drain on the entire company. Unfortunately, my funds have run out, and it's time to accept reality."
Back in December 2023, the brewery announced that it would be shutting down its restaurant's kitchen, but the taproom would remain open. Weathered Souls, headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, originally expanded into Charlotte in November 2022. At the time, they were the only Black-owned brewery in the city, adding to the small number of African American owners in the craft brewery industry. According to a 2019 survey by the Brewers Association, Black brewery owners make up less than 1% of all breweries in the United States. However, co-owner Zachary Holt was determined to make a difference. "I didn't see many customers or employees that looked like me or represented me," he explained. "Change is possible, but we have to keep pushing for it. We have to continue wanting it because if someone visits us once and enjoys the experience but never returns, it's difficult for places like ours to survive."
Unfortunately, Weathered Souls is the second Black-owned brewery in Charlotte to close in the past five years, following Three Spirits' closure in 2019. Jenny Sassman Waters, the executive director of the Charlotte Independent Brewers Alliance, released a statement following the news and acknowledged the recent closures in the Queen City. She praised the hardworking employees and stakeholders who are going through this challenging time but urged beer lovers to remain hopeful for the continued success of Charlotte's brewery scene. "Brewery closures can often have more to them than meets the eye, and they should not be seen as a sign that our local industry is struggling or oversaturated," Waters wrote. "With a diverse array of thriving and innovative breweries, Charlotte remains a hub for craft beer enthusiasts and a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of our city. We encourage Charlotteans to keep supporting their local breweries, whether they have been established for years or are just starting out."
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