Descendants brewery closes permanently

A popular brewery in Kitchener is now permanently closed.

Descendants Beer & Beverage Company announced on social media the day before New Year's Eve that it was closing its doors for good, citing challenges from the pandemic.

“Overnight Descendants went from being a viable craft brewery and event venue to a hospitality business struggling to stay alive during the various lockdowns and restrictions,” read the social media posts. “Making this decision has been incredibly difficult but we can no longer continue.”

According to its website, the establishment first opened on Victoria Street in 2016. The owners thanked customers, partners, and employees for their support over the years.

“We are forced to close down — not because we didn't work hard, smart or efficient enough and not because we took our 'eye off the ball' but because of COVID,” read the statement. “The tight rope act of trying to keep a brewery alive during this pandemic is something only other independently owned hospitality businesses can fully understand.”

As for those who had booked future events at the brewery, the owners wrote, “Please know that we have done absolutely everything in our power to avoid this day and we are sincerely sorry.”

Several comments on Descendants' social media posts claim there was no prior communication about the closure before the public announcement, and some wrote that they already made deposits.

The brewery was listed for sale in 2020 and at the time, the owners said in a Facebook post that it was due to personal reasons and not because of the pandemic.

Requests have been sent to Descendants Beer & Beverage Company for further comment on the closure.