USA, AZ: Beer Research Institute closes after more than a decade in business

After more than a decade in Mesa, Beer Research Institute has closed. The craft brewer's taproom and kitchen shuttered after service on Sunday, March 30, Phoenix New Times reported on March 31.

“It's been an amazing 10 years serving the residents of Mesa and beyond. And like all great stories, ours is coming to an end,” a post on the brewery’s social media on Saturday said.

The company's other concept, BRI Taproom & Arcade in downtown Mesa, remains open.

Beer Research Institute opened in late 2014 in a shopping center near Stapley Drive and U.S. 60. Founded by Greg Sorrels and Matt Tretheway, it was the longest-running modern brewery in Mesa. The craft beer bar became known for its IPAs such as 480G, its milk stout Morning Sex and its imperial Belgian blonde Lolli, among others. It also had a kitchen that served a menu of pub bites including grilled wings, burgers and sandwiches.

In 2022, the company opened a taproom and arcade on Mesa’s Main Street near Robson Street. The spot features 44 arcade and pinball games along with a large selection of beer, wine, cider, and seltzers. Among those selections were BRI-made brews. It's unclear how the menu will change moving forward.

The closure of Beer Research Institute follows other notable closures in local craft beer. Huss Brewing Co. closed two of its taprooms, and Buqui Bichi Brewing shuttered a location in Chandler. In 2024, Uncle Bear's Grill and Tap closed three locations and outsourced its brewing operations to another local production facility. These changes are among the ways local brewers are trying to adapt amid a national craft beer slump.

Fans of Beer Research Institute shared their surprise and disappointment in response to the closing announcement.

“This can’t be true,” one Instagram user wrote. “Please tell me this is a joke.”

Another on Facebook said they hoped it was an April Fools’ prank played early.

Along with the reactions, memories and well-wishes were shared for the Beer Research Institute team. Brian McKean, a founder and owner of Old Ellsworth Brewing Co., shared on Facebook that plans for the Queen Creek brewery came together at BRI’s high tops.

“This place holds a spot in my heart, mind and my history which will never be replaced,” he wrote.

The owners shared appreciation for staff and patrons in the closing announcement post.

“A huge thank you goes out to anyone and everyone who's ever stepped foot into our building, came to our booth at a festival or ordered a pint of our beer at their favorite neighborhood bar,” the post said. “You're the reason we got into this and the reason we were able to last 10 years!”

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