Kichesippi Beer Co. Announces Permanent Closure in March After Years of Financial Struggles
Kichesippi Beer Co., a beloved Ottawa brewery that has been a fixture in the local community since its founding in 2010, will be shutting its doors permanently next month. The closure, scheduled for March 6, comes as a result of persistent financial difficulties that have plagued the business for an extended period.
Financial Challenges Force Difficult Decision
In a heartfelt statement posted on the brewery's official website, owner Paul Meek revealed that Kichesippi Beer Co. has been operating at a significant loss "for some time." The financial strain ultimately proved insurmountable despite exhaustive efforts to keep the business afloat.
"We are in the awkward position of not having enough money to brew more beer, which results in not having enough beer to make more money," Meek explained in his public announcement, highlighting the cyclical financial challenges that ultimately led to the closure decision.
Exhaustive Efforts to Save the Business
Meek detailed the extensive measures he explored in an attempt to preserve both the brewery and his employees' jobs. These included:
- Seeking additional financing through loans
- Bringing on new shareholders
- Attempting to sell the entire company
- Exploring merger opportunities with other breweries
Despite these comprehensive efforts, Meek was unable to "secure long-term viability and profitability" for the Kichesippi brand, leading to the difficult decision to cease operations.
A Heartfelt Thank You to the Community
The brewery owner expressed profound gratitude to the Ottawa community that has supported his family business for nearly fourteen years. "It is hard to properly summarize a proper thank you to everyone in this community who has supported our family business since 2010," Meek wrote. "I am beyond grateful for everything up to this point, and I know our staff are as well."
Broader Trend in Ottawa's Brewing Scene
Kichesippi Beer Co.'s closure follows closely on the heels of another local brewery shutting down operations. Small Pony Barrel Works ceased production in late January, with owner Sean McVeigh citing multiple industry challenges that contributed to his decision.
McVeigh noted several factors affecting his business, including rising ingredient costs, supply chain disruptions, shifting consumer demand toward more time-intensive beer varieties, and the emotional impact of losing a fellow brewer from the recently opened Base Camp Brewery.
The final day of service for Kichesippi Beer Co., located on Robertson Road in Ottawa, will be March 6, marking the end of an era for one of the city's pioneering craft breweries.
