USA, MO: Freestyle Brewing Co. closes Eureka location

Freestyle Brewing Co. (110 Hilltop Village Center) in Eureka has closed, St. Louis Magazine reported on January 13.

"After much consideration and with heavy hearts, we are announcing the closure of Freestyle Brew Co.," the brewery posted on Facebook on January 9. "The increasing costs of operation and current economic conditions have made it impossible for us to sustain the business despite our best efforts to adapt and overcome these challenges."

According to the St. Louis Business Journal, the landlord also filed an eviction lawsuit in December alleging more than $145,000 in unpaid rent.

In 2019, Wyoming-based Melvin Brewing opened a Eureka location with a goal of bringing the popular label's signature experimental brewing style to Missouri beer lovers. In 2022, however, Roadhouse Brewery Group acquired Melvin Brewing, and the owners of the Eureka outpost decided to rebrand, eventually becoming Freestyle Brewing. According to the brewery’s website, its vision was rooted in maintaining local ownership, breaking free from corporate directives, and embracing the freedom to push the boundaries of craft brewing.

Yet the craft beer industry is facing strong headwinds. For the first time since the late 1970s, more breweries closed than opened in 2024. Earthbound Beer also closed its doors in December 2024, after a decade in business.

14 January, 2025