USA, SC: Fatty's Beer Works to permanently close in Charleston

David McLain cited downtown's real estate market as one of the reasons he's closing his eight-year-old brewery in Charleston, Post and Courier reported on August 28.

That, coupled with the need for more production space, led McLain to the decision to shutter Fatty's Beer Works' taproom. But the popular brewery isn't going away completely.

The brewery will end its tenure at 1436 Meeting Street Road in late September, McLain said on social media. The decreasing taproom attendance that's been reported by other local brewers was among the reasons he came to the decision.

"We are dealing with extraordinary economic times right now and the complexion of the downtown Charleston real estate market has become quite a challenge," he said.

Fatty's is the second downtown Charleston brewery to close in as many months.

Tradesman Brewing Co., whose beers have won 13 national awards, shuttered Aug. 18. The owners said the taproom closure was a mutual decision between the brewery's ownership group and their landlord. They are currently searching for a space to house a new taproom and will continue South Carolina distribution of beers through a contract brewing partnership in town.

Fatty's Beer Works will do the same.

"Fatty’s core beers — Lazy Hazy, High Style, Serape, Firm and Fast, and F Light — will continue to be produced by an outstanding and reputable Charleston brewery, so you will still be able to purchase these beers from your favorite current retail locations," McLain said. "Our website and Instagram accounts will be updated regularly with new locations serving and selling the Fatty’s brands."

The brewery owner did not reveal which Charleston brewery would open up their tanks for Fatty's brewing team. He did say that it "has the capacity to produce a lot more Fatty’s than we have ever been capable of at 1436 Meeting Street."

A going away celebration with beer specials, food trucks and live music is planned for Sept. 6-8.

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