USA, GA: Oconee Brewing Company shuts its doors after more than seven years in operation

Oconee Brewing Company, a beloved local craft brewery in Greensboro, has officially shut its doors after more than seven years in operation, Online Athens reported on June 4.

The closure marks the end of an era for the 11,000-square-foot brewery that had become a hub for both locals and visitors since its opening.

The announcement came from the brewery on social media, "We are forever proud of the space we created — but even more proud of the community that filled it with life. Without your support, your stories, and your love for what we poured (both into the glass and into the space), none of this would have been possible."

The primary reason behind the closure stems from the sale of its building at 202 N. West St. According to the social media post, the new owners have decided to take the property in a different direction, one that no longer includes the brewery.

However, in November 2024, Oconee Brewing took to the public with a plea for help as the business faced foreclosure amid more than $1.1 million in debt.

At the time, the owners cited a combination of factors: a national downturn in the craft beer market, soaring SBA loan interest rates, and the lingering financial fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite the mounting challenges, the brewery remained optimistic. "Just because the business dynamics changed on us, doesn’t mean we that have given up," the brewery wrote on Facebook. "We are continuing to explore all options and remain optimistic that we can find a solution."

A GoFundMe campaign launched to support the brewery managed to raise just over $20,000 of its $150,000 goal.