Something Wicked Brewing Company, a popular spot for locals in Hanover, announced its intent to close in September, according to an update on their social media.
"Our final pints will be poured on September 6th," the company said in a post.
Just a few months ago, we proudly celebrated 10 incredible years of brewing craft beer, building friendships, and being part of the vibrant heartbeat of downtown Hanover. Over the past decade, we’ve had the honor of watching strangers become friends, and friends become family. We've shared laughter and tears, stories and songs, first dates and farewells — each moment leaving its mark on our hearts.
The brewing company says over the next several weeks they plan to host 'The Wicked Dog Days Pawlooza' until their final day on Sept. 6.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you Hanover — for welcoming us, supporting us, and choosing us again and again. It has been our deepest honor to serve this community. Here’s to the memories, the friendships, and the wickedly good times.
CBS 21 spoke with one of the six owners who said this was the hardest decision they’ve ever had to make.
“Closing [sic] business that has brought so much to downtown and has been such an integral part of our lives for so long, it’s, it’s very difficult,” said co-owner Stephen Benzow.
Just a few months ago, the brewing company celebrated 10 years in Hanover. Benzow said they had hoped to serve customers for another 10 years, but said many factors went into the difficult decision to shut down the business.
“We set a standard that we like to maintain here with our quality of our beer and our food and everything and that takes a lot of overhead and with the last year, especially the last few months, it’s been really hard to keep things going with that level of standard,” said Benzo.
“Sales really haven’t been what we like to see and the economy’s affecting our business obviously so we’re trying to make a decision and it’s a really difficult decision to make but this is where we are,” Benzow said. “I think craft beer, I don’t want to say that it’s a fad, but I think everything goes in ebbs and flows and I think we’re seeing an ebb in the interest in craft beer.”
Spencer Shirk has been a customer at Something Wicked Brewing Company since it opened. Over the years, he’s gone to the brewery so often he’s earned the title “Superior Attendant” not once, but four times. He said the closure of the business feels like he’s losing a lifelong friend.
“I feel like a favorite relative passed,” said Shirk. “I came in here on an off-night, they were still creating this place when I first came in here and they just had me in and talked to me and I’ve been coming here ever since.”
Shirk described some of his favorite events Something Wicked has hosted over the years. “They did Halloween scavenger hunts they did that for quite a few years quite a huge event, and then there was also emo in the ally, that was another notable event... It was always nice to have cool little events like that and so closet to town,” Shirk said. “I feel like somebody has done something indescribable to a pet. It’s, it’s really losing something out of the community especially since it’s been around for over a decade. Hanover’s really losing something,” Shirk continued.
Some said the fact the younger generation is drinking less than older consumers could also play a part in the brewery’s closure. “A lot of the new generation coming up is choosing not to drink compared to the millennials or the generation above them,” said 32-year-old Steven Duttera. “I actually use to be an alcoholic and just seeing all the negatives and no positives really.”
If you want to support the brewery before its closure next month, owners said they are hosting “The Wicked Dog Days Pawlooza” this coming Saturday for their furry friends in Hanover. There will be treats, music, and of course beer in the business’s alleyway. Proceeds will be going to the SPCA.
