Whether it’s testing your ear at music bingo with an ale, sipping a porter at a craft night, or taking a chance at open mic with a saison in your hand, taprooms and brewpubs have long made up the fabric of Durham’s social scene. But that’s changing.
A long list of closures have unfolded across the Triangle’s craft beer industry in recent years— including notable breweries like Vicious Fishes in Cary and Apex, Clouds Brewing’s Raleigh location, and Cotton House Craft Brewers in Cary—and the trend seems to be accelerating in Durham.
In January, Bull City Taproom shuttered, followed by veteran- and female-owned Flying Bull’s Ninth Street Taproom in February. In April, Proximity Brewing—the only Black-owned brewery in Durham—also ceased operations. And then, last week, Durty Bull Brewing announced it will close in September after a decade in business.
A 2025 report from the Brewers Association describes a decline in the craft brewing industry overall, with North Carolina seeing a nearly 10% decline in beer sales. High tariffs—particularly on metal, which affect packaging costs—have put a strain on the industry. This is alongside the rising price of grain, due in part to the war in the Ukraine. Joel Miles, co-owner of Flying Bull, said that a few years ago, grain prices hovered around 62 cents a pound. In 2026, prices have reached over $1 a pound.
But changes in the local economy, too, have played a part. As Durham’s housing market has changed, higher-end cocktail bars that cater to the influx of luxury condo residents have popped up across downtown.
“Breweries were a place where working-class people would come in for a beer, but now, houses that were once $200,000 have been bought up,” said Matt Pennisi, owner of Durty Bull. “The people moving into [higher-priced housing] may not be as beer-centric.”
Additionally, said Pennisi, “our rent has risen exponentially.” Miles echoed the impact of rent increases.
“We left Ninth Street because the landlord wanted a 6% increase on rent—$6,000 a month for 1,000 square feet—for an old place we revamped ourselves,” he said.
When Proximity Brewing Company announced that it was closing, in a March social media post, it cited “ongoing challenges and the realities of high operating costs,” adding, “This is a reset, not an ending.” The INDY was unable to reach the business for further comment.
While businesses face higher rents, customers are also navigating a steeper cost of living, meaning regulars who used to come in for three beers are now coming in for just one, according to Miles.
“This has a domino effect,” Miles added. “As more breweries close, demand for grain decreases, and farmers start planting something else.”
Cultural Shifts
The reasons for the industry squeeze aren’t just economic, they’re also cultural. A decreased interest in consuming alcohol and more demand for THC drinks are eating away at beer culture. Generation Z is drinking less, and more studies are confirming a clear link between alcohol and cancer.
“There’s a segment of people who want to avoid alcohol now,” Miles said. “Even Jim Beam stopped production for a whole year.” (I spoke with Miles over the phone while he was making a delivery to Lowes Foods, and he noted that Lowes had shrunk its beer product section by a third to make room for THC beverages.)
With breweries long at the center of Durham’s culture and social events, it’s fair to ask: How will this affect Durham as a community?
Seth Gross, owner of Bull City Solera and Brewery, thinks the pendulum will eventually swing the other way. Market saturation led to closures, which in turn will allow the best craft brewers to eventually rise to the top. He also thinks the tendency toward living online, accentuated during the pandemic and postpandemic years, is losing its steam—and that’s good news for brewpubs.
“Going out and socializing is important, and breweries are still places to gather,” said Gross. “Social media isn’t very social, and people are realizing that. For me, breweries want to replace the phone in your hand with a pint, and you can nurse that pint for an hour and have a great conversation.”
He added that Flying Bull tried to keep the average meal price at $15, but it was impossible with such high rent. Pennisi agreed with this, adding that he’s seeing more people save their dollars for experiences and special occasions, like birthdays or having friends in town, rather than for weekly stops at a watering hole.
“Going out now is no less than $60 for two people, so it becomes one of the first things that gets cut,” Miles said.
“Social media isn’t very social, and people are realizing that. For me, breweries want to replace the phone in your hand with a pint, and you can nurse that pint for an hour and have a great conversation.”
seth gross, owner,
bull city solera and brewery
The impact on culture goes beyond when we do and don’t go out. Pennisi says the closure of Durty Bull is a hit to the arts and community-building scene, as the venue has long supported artists, entertainers, and special interest groups, from bands and stand-up comics to burlesque performances and astronomy nights. This was a trend that had been developing, though Pennisi states it will be especially accelerated by Durty Bull’s end in Durham. (Durty Bull’s Gastonia location remains open.)
“When I moved to Durham, breweries and the arts had a symbiotic relationship. On a Friday night, you could go around to art galleries and drink beer. Now, what made Durham cool is unfortunately going away,” Pennisi lamented. “The number of investment bankers living around us has grown, and the number of artists has decreased.”
“You Need to Be More Than a Brewery”
Given all these challenges, what will it take for Durham’s breweries and taprooms to survive?
Offering nonbeer options, serving food (either through catering or operating a kitchen on specific nights), and building a distinguishable brand were all on the list of recommendations from those interviewed.
Of course, some of those adjustments are easier to make than others.
Providing unique activities as part of a standout brand that brings community together is key—for example, in July, Hi-Wire Brewing hosted adult coloring nights and yoga, while the Glass Jug put silent reading clubs and a Latinos and Latinas run club on the calendar.
Demand for food options, not just beer, is trending. In the past, some taprooms and breweries had turned to food trucks to meet that need. But that has become more of a deterrent to customers—and vendors—searching for affordability.
“Food trucks are extremely expensive now,” said Miles. “I went to one the other day and I got six small pot stickers for $18; that’s with no beer.” And on the vendor side, food trucks feel less tempted to station themselves at breweries.
“It has become a risk that fewer food trucks are willing to make. … They won’t come to breweries anymore,” Pennisi points out. In addition to feeling confident they can make sufficient sales, they also have to invest in advertising their presence. “It’s one of the biggest things that hurt us,” Pennisi added.
All interviewees said that adding wines, mocktails, nonalcoholic beers, seltzers, and THC drinks to the list will be crucial for businesses’ survival. Doing so allows groups to go out knowing that everyone’s individual preferences will be met and everyone can feel included.
“You need to be more than a brewery,” Miles advised. “It’s all about giving your customer options.”
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