Washington Brewing shuts down for now
Celeste Van Kirk/Observer-Reporter
The Washington Brewing Co. on East Maiden Street
Celeste Van Kirk/Observer-Reporter
A sign posted at The Washington Brewing Co.
Washington Brewing Co. is closed temporarily.
The brewery and restaurant, at 28 E. Maiden St. in the city, shut down this week. A post on the firm’s Facebook page Tuesday morning said, in part: “We have experienced several unforeseen circumstances in the past 6 months and need to reorganize in order to provide you with the best experience possible at our brewery. … Our goal is to reopen as quickly as possible.”
But while the rest of its operation has been halted, Washington Brewing is continuing to supply beer to restaurants and bars through its distributor, Beverage Distribution Inc.
Finding a new restaurateur is a key element of the equation. “We need someone to run the restaurant portion,” said Angela Burgess, one of the owners. “A chef decided to leave. We’ve had inquiries, so we may not be closed for long.”
Burgess spoke Wednesday at The Washington Winery, which she and her husband, John, own. The winery is adjacent to the brewery.
Angela declined to elaborate about the “unforeseen circumstances,” saying the business “is privately owned by several different people. It is not appropriate for any one member to discuss private business matters in a public forum.”
Washington Brewing opened about a year and a half ago, the third of four craft brewers to launch in Washington County. Coal Tipple Brewery in Smith Township was first, in December 2016, followed by Rusty Gold in Canonsburg. Four Points Brewing opened in Charleroi in July.
Burgess acknowledged that a change in restaurant manager could translate into culinary changes.
“The menu and offerings would be based on the technique and background of the restaurateur. But our goal is to find a food style compatible and well-matched to our variety of beer offerings.”
Applicants, Burgess said, should contact the owners at Info@TheWashingtonBrewingCompany.com.
She said the company will honor all gift certificates following the reopening, and that anyone who has scheduled an event in the lounge should have been notified by email.
“The city loves having a brewery,” Burgess said. “We appreciate everybody’s support. We are focusing on reopening.”