Elysian Brewing, a prominent name in Seattle’s craft beer scene, has announced the closure of its Georgetown brewery by December 31, 2024. This decision follows months of stalled union negotiations and marks a significant shift for the company, owned by brewing giant Anheuser-Busch since 2015.
Employees at the Georgetown location voted to unionize in August 2023. Despite efforts to secure fair wages and improved retirement benefits, negotiations with Anheuser-Busch reached an impasse. A strike vote last month signaled escalating tensions, culminating in the closure decision.
The shutdown is expected to affect a significant portion of the workforce. While Anheuser-Busch claims the closure will impact “a very small number of Elysian employees,” other sources suggest up to 90 positions may be eliminated. Reports indicate all but two production staff members have been laid off, with only select marketing and sales roles retained in Seattle.
As the second-largest brewery in Washington, producing over 49,000 barrels (57,500 hl) of beer last year, the impact of Elysian’s downsizing will ripple through the local beer community.
Elysian Brewing plans to consolidate operations at its flagship Seattle Capitol Hill Brewery and Pub, which opened in 1996. The company announced a USD 1.7 million investment in the Capitol Hill location to enhance brewing capabilities and customer experience. Popular beers such as Space Dust IPA will continue to be brewed at this location. The company’s third Seattle location, Elysian Fields, near the city’s sports stadiums, will remain operational. For now, Elysian Brewing assures customers it remains committed to its Capitol Hill and Elysian Fields locations, signaling a continued, albeit restructured, presence in Seattle’s craft beer scene.
The closure aligns with Anheuser-Busch’s ongoing consolidation strategy. Earlier this year, the company shuttered Wynwood Brewing in Miami and Golden Road Brewing in Sacramento, citing operational efficiencies (inside.beer, 26.1.2024). Anheuser-Busch has also streamlined its craft beer portfolio, divesting several brands in 2023 (inside.beer, 7.8.2023).
