Southern California brewery abruptly closes after 12-year run

A beloved California brewery has closed its doors after 12 years in business.

Electric Brewing Company in Murrieta abruptly closed on Saturday following an emotional social media announcement.

“We’ve been working through a possible sale for some time, and while many of you knew changes were coming, nothing was official until now,” the company wrote on Instagram. “Due to circumstances outside of our control, everything came together very quickly and our final day is sooner than we had hoped.”

The space will be occupied by another brewery, according to an Instagram post. The company says they will retain their name, recipes, branding, and intellectual property, and are considering reopening in the future.

“For now, we need some time to breathe, reset, and enjoy life without the constant struggle of keeping the brewery going,” the post continued.

“Thank you to our team, our regulars, our friends, our families, and everyone who walked through our doors over the years. You gave this place a life and a personality that went far beyond beer.”

First opened in 2014, Electric Brewing Company specialized in IPAs, stouts, and “unique flavor experiments.” The company also sold retail and wholesale cases and kegs.

In a separate post, the businesses’ owners urged sentimental fans not to steal their branded merchandise.

“Since announcing our closing, glasses, artwork, signs and other items have started disappearing from the brewery — even the keg we use to hold the front door open,” they wrote.

“We completely understand wanting something to remember Electric Brewing by. But taking things without asking, especially while we’re already going through the difficult process of closing, is a terrible way to remember this place.”

Customers shared their sadness about the closing in the post’s comments.

“So so sad that you’re closing but completely understand. Wishing you nothing but the best. We will miss visiting,” one commenter wrote.

“Oh man. What a bummer. Some of my favorite beer memories and friends made.” said another.

“Had no idea you guys were closing and now I’m stunned…. Good luck on the future but what a blow for the beer scene in our area. Some of the best quality offerings for years,” a third commenter shared.

In lieu of taking unauthorized souvenirs, the company urged its supports to share their favorite memories of the space.

“We want the things that leave this brewery to leave with a story and our blessing — not because someone walked out with them when nobody was looking,” they wrote.

“Help us finish this thing the same way we built it — as a community.”

The closure comes as hundreds of workers prepare to be laid off from West Coast beer company Stone Brewing. In May, the company was sold to Firestone Walker Brewing Company and Duvel Moortgat USA.

Following the sale, the company will lay off off 58 workers in late October before cutting a total of 220 employees at three locations in Escondido, CA., according to a notification letters filed with the state.

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