USA, TN: Watauga Brewing Company to close on December 21

A downtown Johnson City brewery and taphouse announced it will close later this month.

On Monday, Watauga Brewing Company confirmed over social media that it will close on Dec. 21.

The West Market St. brewery, bar and restaurant opened in 2020 and featured the city’s first rooftop bar. Four years later, ownership said a combination of challenges forced the closure.

“Unfortunately, the timing of our grand opening was full of challenges, as it coincided with the start of the pandemic shutdown,” the social media post states.

The brewery also cited struggles to find financial stability due to worker shortage and rising cost supplies as other factors in the closure.

“And so we are full of gratitude and sadness as we close this chapter of our lives,” the post reads. “We would like to thank both our dedicated employees and the support of our customers. We look forward to seeing what wonderful opportunities await our staff and hope that our customers remember us fondly.”

Watauga Brewing Company made several changes earlier in 2024, opening a new French restaurant on the second floor and rebooting the rooftop bar.

Watauga Brewing Company marks the second downtown Johnson City brewery to close in 2024. Little Animals Brewery closed at the end of June.

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