USA, CT: Thimble Island Brewing Company closes its doors in Branford

Beer lovers in Branford came together one final time at Thimble Island Brewing Company.

The business announced earlier this month it would be closing its doors on Saturday, May 24.

Many customers said they were heartbroken to hear the news.

“For us, it was pretty devastating to say the least to know this place was closing,” said Eddy Delahoz, from West Haven.

Joshua Gabriel, from Branford, said, “It’s going to be very sad because it’s been a staple place that we have been coming for years.”

After nearly 15 years of business, the owner made the difficult decision to shut down.

“A lot of great people and that’s the thing I’m going to miss the most,” said Justin Gargano, owner of Thimble Island Brewing Co.

Gargano’s love for beer started when he was brewing his own at home.

He wanted to share that passion with others, so he opened up his own brewery.

“It’s heartbreaking. One of the biggest things about having something like this. It is about community and one thing I’ve always tried to foster is a typical pub atmosphere. Very family friendly. Everyone’s invited,” Gargano added.

That family atmosphere was what brought brothers Eddy and Renzo to the brewery several years ago.

“This is where we have our therapy sessions and get to know each other on a deeper level every Friday,” said Renzo Delahoz, from Salem, MA.

Gargano only announced the brewery’s closing a few weeks ago. He said the decision came from a recent health battle after he was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease.

However, Gargano also mentioned that money was a factor. He said alcohol consumption is down, which impacts the beer world as a whole.

“The restaurant I have here is fantastic. It’s always been very profitable but when you’re trying to bounce the numbers for things it just doesn’t make financial sense,” he said.

In 2019, Gargano partnered with a wholesaler in hopes of increasing revenue, but unfortunately it had the opposite effect.

“We made the move... primarily so we could focus on making better quality beer. And when you have a facility that’s 30,000 square feet, the majority of your revenue is coming in from that and you’re highly dependent on it,” he explained.

Both Gargano and his customers hope this isn’t a goodbye, but just a ‘see you later’.

“Connecticut we love you, I care about you, but it’s just kind of the way it flowed,” said Gargano.

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