CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A beloved Charlotte brewery suddenly closed its doors.
Catawba Brewing Company closed its taproom in Charlotte's Belmont neighborhood after six years. The closure came without a warning to employees, including management.
Staff told WCNC Charlotte's Jesse Pierre they learned the news during a meeting Monday.
"We were given a piece of paper that we did not have to sign that stated that," former assistant general manager Sara Conover said. "We were no longer employees of the company, that they would not contest unemployment that there was no severance."
"It was very surprising to hear," former manager Mary Ann Anstine added. "I think people are just kind of shocked and sad."
A sign on the door Monday thanked customers for continued support, saying, "We love you all and will miss you dearly."
That apology hits home for many who had cherished memories there.
"We have people that had weddings there and had their kid's first birthday party there and things like that, so, you know, that's really definitely sad," Anstine said. "We're gonna miss that."
The handling of the sudden layoffs and closure left a bitter taste in the mouths of the now-former employees.
"We just wish that there could have been a way that it was done to handle their employees who have stood by them through thick and thin, with a little bit more appreciation," Conover said. "And understanding that the economic climate right now is not one that is easy to just be terminated financially in."
Some are understanding of the business decision that was made.
"As the company has grown, they're gonna make more decisions that make sense for their business," Anstine said. "I just feel really sad about it, and for the community that's been there and supported us."
As they search for work, the community they served poured in for the staff left shocked.
"All of the people that were complete strangers up until yesterday who have reached out to offer support, contacts, assistance, free round of drinks, just anything to show, you know that we're a big community, and we're together, and they're thinking of us," Conover said. "It's just been really lovely."
Catawba Brewing Company confirmed it will be relocating to a taproom near the rail trail in South End.
"The new Charlotte taproom will offer greater visibility and a vibrant atmosphere for customers as well as partnerships," the company said in a news release. "This move reflects Catawba's commitment to providing a welcoming and unique environment that complements the city's dynamic culture."
The exact location for the new taproom has not been released.
"We found out that there was a South End location discussion which seems to have been confirmed through a source in Made by the Water,” Conover said.
Made by the Water is the company that owns the taproom. WCNC Charlotte reached out to them and have not heard back.
Contact Jesse Pierre at jpierrepet@wcnc.com or follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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