E-Malt.com News article: USA, SC: Birds Fly South Ale Project to close October 10

A Greenville brewery recently announced on social media it will be closing this month after seven years of business, GSA Business reported on October 2.

The owners of Birds Fly South Ale Project announced on social media it would close Oct. 10.

“…there’s no easy way to say this, but with a heavy heart and utmost sadness, we must announce Birds Fly South Ale Project taproom and on-site production will be closing after our final jazz event on October 10th,” the Instagram post read.

“As we look back on these past 7 years, we have a lot to be proud of and it's only upon reflection that we realize what we've accomplished. We have had a wonderfully fulfilling and dynamic time getting to know everyone not only in our community but also everyone that traveled in from across the world to raise a glass in the Birdhouse. The community welcomed us with open arms, and we made it a point to give back to it as much as possible. The Flock is what kept us pursuing greatness as we focused on quality, award-winning beer.

“We wish that this was a fairy tale ending but recognize all good things must come to an end. Timing is everything, and we embarked on an expansion to increase our taproom sales that have taken a hit over the last year. We don't regret that decision, only the way we went about it.”

Owners Shawn and Lindsay Johnson also wrote in the post that there is a silver lining to the closing: to be able to step away from the stress of running a business and have more time to focus on family.

“This is our opportunity to embark on a new adventure and enjoy a new pace of life. We have had the opportunity to let the staff know and have waited long enough to go public as they secure positions elsewhere. We are happy that they will be here until the end, something that continues to melt our hearts.”

SC Biz News attempted to reach the Johnsons via email on Monday but have yet to receive a response.

After being open less than a year in Greenville’s Overbrook neighborhood, the Johnson’s other restaurant Perch Gastropub was also closed on Aug. 5.

“We have made the tough decision to close our wonderful pub,” that post had said. “As ‘complicated’ as business is, it really is about ins and outs. As hard as we have tried, the ins don’t meet the outs. The passion and energy this team has put into this will be unmatched. This choice hasn’t come based on one factor, it’s just simply this part of the business that we all never see coming.”

A string of local Greenville restaurants and bars have announced closings this year.

Although there are several reasons for the closings and the Johnsons didn’t state their exact reasoning for closing their businesses, a reason often cited by others is the rising cost of liquor liability insurance in South Carolina.

Over the next few days, the Johnsons said in the Instagram post that they want to “see everyone come in and buy us out of beer.” They plan on extending hours, offering discounts, and will continue with all the events they currently have planned.


02 October, 2023