E-Malt.com News article: USA, CT: Future of No Worries Brewing Company remains uncertain after abrupt closure last year

The future of Hamden’s No Worries Brewing Company remains uncertain after it abruptly closed its doors late last year, surprising many loyal customers and community members and sparking a search for answers, Stamford Advocate reported on February 21.

On Oct. 25, No Worries Brewing Company posted a concert flyer on its Facebook page for a musician who was set to perform at the State Street brewery that night. But a week later, the business' manufacturer permit for beer was "made inactive," according to the state Department of Consumer Protection.

The brewery also ceased operations around that time without any prior public announcement, customers said.

Since then, No Worries' phone number and website have been deactivated and its social media accounts have gone dark, offering no updates or explanations.

Google lists the establishment as "temporarily closed," while Yelp users reported the business had "closed," but neither review service indicated if or when it would reopen.

No Worries did not respond to emailed requests for comment, nor did it reply to messages sent to its Instagram and Facebook accounts.

No Worries' sudden shutdown and ensuing silence has confused many former patrons and fueled speculation about its future. It has also irked some of the brewery's exclusive club members who said they were denied several months worth of benefits that they had paid for.

Kevin Pataky, a freelance photographer who lives in North Haven, said he had belonged to No Worries' "Mug Club," a membership program that offered perks, such as free beer, discounted merchandise, branded clothing and access to special events. The program cost an $100 annual fee.

Mug Club members also received a numbered mug they drank from, and that the brewery occasionally stuffed with T-shirts, coupons and other gifts, said Pataky, who joined the club in 2015.

Pataky said No Worries stopped sending its monthly newsletter in October or November, and also left customers in the dark about the status of their club memberships, which would have extended to Feb. 1.

A spokesperson for the state DCP said it had not received any consumer complaints regarding No Worries' closure.

Pataky said he was "kind of surprised" when he learned No Worries had closed because he "thought they were doing fairly well." Surrounded by several universities, the brewery had been a popular destination for college students and other groups.

"Every time I would go there, there was a good crowd indoors and outdoors," Pataky said.

In addition to No Worries, several other Connecticut breweries closed in 2024, including City Steam Brewery in Hartford, Labyrinth Brewing Company in Manchester and Great Falls Brewing Company in Canaan. Three more have announced plans to close in 2025.

No Worries had faced increased competition in recent years. It was less than two miles away from North Haven's Twelve Percent Beer Project, a craft brewery that opened at 341 State St. in 2019. Haven Beer Company also recently opened at the former Mickey's Restaurant and Bar space after resolving its longstanding legal issues.

Pataky, who enjoys visiting different Connecticut breweries when he is covering assignments, said he joined No Worries' Mug Club "without even tasting anything" because he "wanted a place to call your own." He said previous gifts the brewery gave him as a years-long club member included, a hooded sweatshirt with No Worries' logo, a growler and a fake coin placed in his mug that could be redeemed for a free drink.

He said he has not considered filing a consumer complaint over his lost membership.

"I’d like to figure out what the story is before anything," Pataky said.


21 February, 2025