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MARQUETTE -- Drifa Brewery in south Marquette announced on Wednesday that it will be closing its doors around mid-November.
"From navigating the challenges of a pandemic shutdown and road construction the next summer to weathering management changes, keeping a local craft brewery afloat is a labor of love -- and the winter months have always been a particularly tough uphill climb," read Drifa's statement, put out by their board of directors and general manager. Drifa is the first cooperatively-owned brewery in Michigan.
"While we had a buyer lined up who wanted to keep the dream alive, our landlord has refused to renew our lease, preventing the sale from going through," continued the statement.
"We are left with no other option but to close the doors. To prevent another financially draining winter, we have had to make the incredibly difficult decision to close."
"We plan to stay open as long as possible between now and November," said Drifa. "We are committed to pouring great beers, hosting events and keeping the vibrant Drifa atmosphere alive until our very last day."
Drifa promised a closing party on that last day.
"We are endlessly grateful for the support, laughter and memories our members and local patrons have shared with us over the years," said their statement. "Please come raise a glass with us over the next few months -- we'd love to see you all and thank you in person."
Drifa is the second Marquette brewery to announce that it would be closing in recent months, following Barrel & Beam's announcement in June.
Annie Lippert can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 550. Her email address is alippert@miningjournal.net.