USA, CO: Increasing rent forces Pateros Creek Brewing to close down on April 1

A remodel project in Old Town Fort Collins is driving rent up and Pateros Creek Brewing out, the Coloradoan reported on March 16.

The craft brewer, which has operated at 242 N. College Ave. since 2010, announced it will close April 1.

“The new lease is just something we can’t afford,” said Pateros Creek co-founder Steve Jones. “We had been talking with the developer to see how we fit in their plans.”

The $9 million renovation project on the block will create a new plaza featuring Mexican restaurant Rosa Mexicano, a Churn ice cream kiosk and 10 shipping containers that will be repurposed and modified into smaller tenant spaces.

Pateros Creek will host a going-away party from noon to 7 p.m. April 1, its last day open to the public. The brewery must vacate the space by April 15.

The brewery will sell its equipment, but Jones wouldn’t rule out reopening at another site. He’s also exploring contract brewing in the area, where another brewery would produce Pateros Creek beer.

“I’m not letting the dream die just yet,” Jones said.

Whatever comes, Jones said the brewery will likely take a multi-month hiatus. Pateros Creek has dwindled its supply and its distribution down to about 10 accounts in anticipation of the closure.

Jones is one of the few Fort Collins natives to run a brewery in town.

Pateros Creek was originally known as Horsetooth Brewing, but changed its name after a licensing dispute. It's the seventh-oldest of 21 Fort Collins craft breweries.

“I have zero regrets,” Jones said. “It has been a great time, I’ve met many lifelong friends and I know my community much better.”

Fort Collins has struggled to sustain 21 craft breweries.

Intersect Brewing opened as the town’s 21st craft brewery last summer, before 1933 Brewing was sold and closed a few months later. Gilded Goat Brewing debuted in February, but Pateros Creek’s impending closing will bring the brewery count back to 20.

1933 Brewing is expected to reopen under a new name and concept. D.C. Oakes Brewhouse & Eatery and Freedonia Brewing are also expected to open in Fort Collins within the next couple months.

16 March, 2017