5 things to know about the craft beer squeeze — nationally and in Charlotte

The craft beer industry is making headlines again, with The New York Times spotlighting the recent wave of brewery closures and industry challenges across the country.

For local context, we’ve drawn from CharlotteFive’s spring coverage of the beverage industry and tariffs in Charlotte. With national trends affecting local taprooms, here are five key things to know about what’s happening in Charlotte and beyond.

1. The national buzz: Closures outpace openings

According to The New York Times, for the first time in 20 years, more craft breweries are shutting down than starting up. Major reasons include a flood of new breweries, declining demand for craft beer, shifting tastes (think: hard seltzer and canned cocktails) and ongoing pandemic pressures. Even iconic breweries like 21st Amendment are closing their doors. Read the NYT story.

2. The tariff toll: Costs are up, margins are tight

Charlotte’s food and drink scene isn’t just feeling the pinch in beer — restaurants and wine shops were bracing for potential wine tariff hikes earlier this year, fearing higher prices and limited selections for customers across the board. In the spring, the uncertainty around European import tariffs had wine buyers stocking up and some restaurant leaders weighing whether to revamp entire wine lists. More on tariffs and wine in Charlotte.

3. Local resilience — and uncertainty — right here in the Queen City

Charlotte breweries have been hustling in 2025: buying new equipment, rethinking recipes and even experimenting with low-alcohol or “healthier” brews. Still, local leaders told CharlotteFive earlier this year the unpredictable business climate and fast-changing consumer preferences make planning tough. Want more details on how this has been impacting Charlotte this year? Check out our full story.

4. Charlotte closures: The 2024 brewery shakeout

Charlotte is a striking example of the national craft beer contraction. Throughout 2024, several breweries and taprooms, including Frothy Beard’s South End location and Devil’s Logic Brewery, closed their doors — mirroring the nationwide challenges now being highlighted by the NYT. High operating costs, tough competition, and shifting market forces contributed locally. Yet, advocates point out that Charlotte’s beer scene remains vibrant, with dozens of breweries thriving and innovating. See the full list of 2024 closures and insight from industry leaders.

5. In 2025: Brewery closures aren’t over

Even after 2024’s wave of shutdowns, brewery closures have continued in Charlotte this year. One example: Alongside Brewing closed its doors without notice in July, following a trend of challenging conditions many local breweries have faced in recent years. See the full 2025 restaurant, breweries and bars closures list.

Editor’s note: This list was curated with AI assistance and is based on original reporting from CharlotteFive and The New York Times.