Guinness Brewery in Maryland to Close Permanently
The Baltimore-area facility, which opened in 2018 and welcomed over two million visitors, will cease operations on November 1 as part of a broader company restructuring.
The Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Halethorpe, Maryland, is set to close its doors permanently on November 1, marking the end of the Irish beer brand's presence in the Baltimore area. The closure will result in 174 Aramark employees losing their jobs, according to a notice filed with the Maryland Department of Labor on October 1.
This decision is part of a larger $1 billion restructuring plan by Diageo, Guinness's parent company. Recent reports indicated that some teams within Diageo are facing staff reductions of 20% to 30% as part of cost-cutting measures.
"This decision follows a careful review of our operations and long-term business priorities," a Diageo spokesperson told Fox News Digital. "It is not a reflection of the passion, talent or dedication of our team, nor of the support we have received from consumers and the Baltimore community since we opened our doors in 2018."
Since its opening in 2018, the Guinness Open Gate Brewery had become a popular destination, attracting over 2 million visitors. It was the first new brewery opened by the iconic Irish beer maker in the U.S. since its New York facility closed in 1954.
The Maryland brewery focused on experimental brews, allowing guests to create their own beers, with over 700 unique creations developed during its operation. However, industry experts suggest that changing consumer trends may have influenced Diageo's decision.
Recent research indicates a decline in alcohol consumption in the U.S. for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. This trend is partly attributed to consumers alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, a practice known as "zebra striping."
Despite the closure of the Maryland location, Diageo affirmed its commitment to the Guinness brand. "Guinness remains one of our most important brands, and we are committed to investing in its long-term growth and success," the spokesperson stated. "While our Baltimore brewery will close, our commitment to bringing Guinness to consumers around the world remains as strong as ever."
The Chicago brewery will now be Guinness's sole U.S. location. Diageo stated it is committed to supporting the affected employees through this transition, providing resources and assistance.