E-Malt.com News article: USA, IL: Elder Brewing Company confirms closure

After several days of rumors that Elder Brewing Company was closing for good, the owners made the announcement official on Wednesday, January 3: Elder Brewing Company is done. It lasted for six years and two months. Its closure leaves Joliet with zero microbreweries, the Patch reported.

Elder opened in November 2017, which was four months after MyGrain Brewing opened in the historic Union Train Station. MyGrain Brewing folded last August and its property remains empty.

"It is with sadness that we announce the closure of Elder Brewing Co. We are incredibly thankful for this experience and your support over the last 6+ years. Our lives, the world, and the economy have all changed drastically since we began this adventure, and we don’t have the resources to continue down the current path," Elder Brewing posted on its Facebook page.

Joliet Patch wrote a handful of stories on Elder during its first several years of operation. Elder was owned and operated by Andrew Polykandriotes and his wife Melissa.

"We want Joliet to be a craft beer destination," Elder Brewing Company owner Andrew Polykandriotis told Joliet Patch back in 2017. "We just make beer here, and we want to make it right. Beer and memories."

The January 3rd going out of business Facebook post, the Elder Brewing Facebook post read, "At the end of the day, we have decided to focus on our family and careers outside of the brewing industry.

"As for the future of Elder… we are currently exploring other options. We are open to renting the turnkey operation, selling Elder Brewing Co. and/or its assets, or perhaps there is a creative combination that comes through. This is a perfect place for someone who wants to start professionally brewing, or a pilot batch operation for a larger brewery.

"If interested, reach out to us for more details at elderbrewingco@gmail.com, or share with someone who may be interested. Mr. Downtown Joliet- perhaps Bill Murray needs a dedicated brewery for the stadium."


03 January, 2024