Canada, NS: Granite Brewery shuts down Halifax operations after 35 years

One of Canada’s original craft breweries has shut down operations after 35 years, the Canadian Beer News reported on May 8.

Granite Brewery was opened by Kevin Keefe in 1985 in Ginger’s Tavern on Hollis Street in Halifax, and was the first modern brewpub in eastern North America.

The brewery moved several times in subsequent years – including stints at The Henry House, another location of Ginger’s, and a production brewery on Stairs Street – and operating out of the Propeller Brewing facility on Gottingen Street since early 2019.

Since the latest iteration of Granite was dedicated exclusively to draught and cask packaging, the closure of bars and restaurants due to COVID-19 resulted in an immediate loss of all sales for the brewery, which was reportedly the main factor in Keefe’s decision to close.

This closure does not affect the Toronto location of Granite Brewery, which was launched by Kevin and his brother Ron Keefe in 1991, and remains open with beer and food available for takeout and delivery during the COVID-19 lockdown.

09 May, 2020