The Guinness Open Gate Brewery, located in Halethorpe, Maryland, near Baltimore, is set to close. November 1 marks the brewery’s final day open to the public. This closure will result in 174 Aramark employees losing their jobs, as noted in a notice filed with the Maryland Department of Labor on October 1.
This decision is part of a $1 billion restructuring initiative by Diageo, Guinness’ parent company. In July, Reuters reported that some teams at Diageo face staffing cuts of 20% to 30%. A Diageo spokesperson explained to Fox News Digital that this move follows a strategic review of the company’s operations and long-term business priorities. They emphasized that the closure does not reflect on the dedication or passion of the employees or the support from the community since the brewery opened in 2018.
Since its opening, the brewery has attracted over 2 million visitors, according to its Facebook page. It was the first Guinness brewery to open in the U.S. since the previous one in New York shut down in 1954.
Derek Brown of Drink Company, a hospitality consulting firm in Washington, D.C., expressed disappointment over the closure but noted that Guinness’ main focus remains on its core products. While the brewery experimented with various new products, these were not the main drivers of the business according to Brown.
The Maryland facility allowed guests to create their own brews, resulting in over 700 different beers. However, industry experts believe that shifts in alcohol consumption trends have influenced the decision to close. Recent research indicates a decline in U.S. alcohol consumption for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, with Americans increasingly alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, a trend known as ‘zebra striping.’
Diageo assured that their immediate focus is on supporting impacted employees through the transition. They stressed their commitment to treating team members with respect and providing necessary resources to help them adjust.
The spokesperson reiterated that Guinness remains a critical brand for Diageo, with continuous investments aimed at its long-term growth. While the Baltimore location will close, the company remains dedicated to delivering Guinness to consumers worldwide.