USA, MI: Wyoming’s 3 Gatos Brewery to close for good next month
After three and a half years, a popular brewery in the heart of Wyoming will close its doors permanently next month, Mlive.com reported on January 14.
Linus De Paoli opened 3 Gatos Brewery at 1760 44th St. SW in the summer of 2021 to offer a fusion menu inspired by Brazil, Germany, and the U.S. The local spot described itself as a “Boteco,” a typical neighborhood bar in Brazil for the community to get together with loved ones, have some drinks, eat good food and enjoy each other’s company.
De Paoli announced on social media that 3 Gatos Brewery will close on Feb. 8, calling it one of the toughest decisions he’s ever made.
“I feel like I failed you,” he wrote. “I’ve put my heart and soul into 3 Gatos. I tried everything that I knew of to make it a sustainable business. Brewed beers to the best of my abilities and knowledge, presented you with food and culture from Brazil, tried to create a welcoming and open environment, and organized all types of events. But we never managed to draw enough people to come and experience it all. And the slowdown in hospitality and craft beer hit us really hard, especially during the second half of 2024.”
De Paoli said at this point, he doesn’t have the money or the energy to keep trying to make it work, so he’s decided to close 3 Gatos and focus on himself.
The Brazilian native originally launched the space alongside his wife Renata at the time, both of whom are former engineers for Ford Motor Company, after moving to Grand Rapids from Germany.
However, the couple separated in the years following the opening, and he was left running the business on his own.
“3 Gatos is a dream that became a reality for me, and because of that and my wish for it to succeed, I never took a paycheck from it,” De Paoli said. “In the beginning, I had a lot of help and support from Renata, but after the separation, running the business on my own became too much. I even tried my best to find other partners to come in and help after the separation but failed twice.”
In October, he started crowd funding to help alleviate some of the bill pressure, but November and December brought challenges of slow business and financial strain once again.
After nearly four years, De Paoli reflects on the journey with gratitude for the community and looks ahead to a new venture with mixed emotions.”
“It’s been an incredible journey with all of you during these 3 and half years,” he said. “We’ve laughed, celebrated, and made memories that I’ll cherish forever. You all have become like family to me, and I can’t thank you enough for your support and love over the years.
“To our regulars, you’ve been the heart and soul of 3 Gatos. Your loyalty and friendship have meant the world to me. And to everyone who’s visited, even just once, thank you for letting us be a part of your story.”
The post was met with hundreds of likes, comments and shares, with many expressing their support and sadness for De Paoli’s heartfelt message.
“Before we say goodbye, I’d love for you to drop by and share a meal or a drink with us,” he said. “We’ll be here, serving up your favorites and reminiscing about the good times until our last day. And if the Lions make it to the Super Bowl, we can all watch the big game together here at 3 Gatos. Thank you for making 3 Gatos a special place. The memories we’ve made together will stay with me forever.”
15 January, 2025
