USA, MI: Black Lotus Brewing Company closes due to financial issues

After 13 years in downtown Clawson, Black Lotus Brewing Company closed on Wednesday, October 30. Staff were notified on Monday, October 28 that the brewpub was shutting down due to financial issues, according to the Detroit Free Press.

An employee speaking with WDIV alleges that staff were asked by the owners not to immediately cash their final paychecks when they received them on Friday, October 25 suggesting that there might not be enough money to immediately make payroll. The Oakland County Register of Deeds tells the Free Press there are two state liens against the business for $13,000 and $23,000.

In August, a $450,000 listing for an unnamed Oakland County brewpub was posted to the Black Lotus Facebook page, stirring speculation about the brewery. The listing described a brewery established in 2006, the same year Black Lotus opened. An individual with knowledge of the business, confirmed that the confidential listing was indeed for Black Lotus. The listing has since been taken down.

Black Lotus was founded in September 2006 by partners Mark Harper, Michael Allan, and Jodi Allan during a time when Clawson’s downtown area was in the midst of an economic downturn. The brewery became a popular spot for live music, beer, and pub food as the surrounding district attracted new restaurants, bars, and businesses. Harper departed in May.

02 November, 2019