A Legacy Denver Brewery to Close Taprooms Following Acquisition
A well-known Denver brewery, Great Divide Brewing Co., is set to close its taprooms within city limits after being acquired by a larger craft conglomerate. The brewery’s original location on 2201 Arapahoe St., established in 1994, will cease operations at the end of June. Additionally, its River North Art District facility, the Barrel Bar & Cellar on 1812 35th St., will also shut down. While the brewery’s suburban locations remain open under a separate management, the closures mark the end of Great Divide’s presence in its hometown.
Although Great Divide’s absence may be temporary, the new owner, Wildling Brands, has plans to open a new location in Denver later this year. As part of the acquisition, founder Brian Dunn retains ownership of the two Denver taprooms, but their future remains uncertain.
Wildling Brands, which acquired Great Divide in April, also owns other popular breweries in Denver such as Denver Beer Co., Stem Ciders, and Funkwerks. The company’s diverse portfolio includes additional brands like Howdy Beer, Easy Living sparkling hop water, Cerveceria Colorado, and Formation Brewing in Phoenix.
In a previous interview, Dunn expressed his desire to step away from the beer business as his reason for selling Great Divide. He acknowledged the brewery’s successes over its 31-year history but indicated a need for a new chapter in his career.
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