Downtown Loveland Losing Brewery, Who Will Take Its Place?
One of Loveland's long-time craft brewers is the latest victim of the issues that many businesses have faced since the pandemic. Where before COVID-19 they were striving, with a new, bigger, location, they've announced they're having to scale back.
It'll be very sad to see them close the doors to their taproom, even though they will be continuing to brew their beers. It's just not the same, if you can't enjoy the beer they make, while being at that place.
Downtown Loveland is going to be hurting when the doors officially close on this taproom; it's been such a great "success" story for the town, up until the pandemic. So many businesses have been struggling since the pandemic ended; some made it through, others just couldn't.
Loveland's Crow Hop Brewing is one of those that just couldn't get back the amount of business that they had before the pandemic, and now it's just too costly to keep their great taproom open.
I have really enjoyed Crow Hop, ever since they started out on Third Street in 2013. That seem like eons ago, now with The Foundry in Downtown and Axe to Grind occupying that old spot. I look at their list of beers and get a little misty, like the beers themselves are old friend. Rado's Red Ale, Recess IPA, Window Screen Wheat. I know the beers will still be "out there," but sitting at Crow Hop and drinking one was great.
If you've been into the "new" Crow Hop brewery/taproom, you'll recognize that brick wall behind me and a buddy. I've had many beers and many good times at Crow Hop, but one man can't keep a taproom afloat.
From Crow Hop's website:
We are so happy for the experience that we’ve had and are, above all, eternally grateful to the community and our employees, who also gave so much to this endeavor. We have no regrets, and cannot state enough how much we value and appreciate the incredible times we’ve had with everyone who passed through our doors. We are hopeful that this constriction will allow us to reopen another taproom in the future. We will continue to operate production and distribution to area accounts, as well as participate in festivals and other events while we refocus our efforts on growing our brewery in new and exciting directions. In the meantime, we look forward to seeing you all around town and continuing to support our fellow brewers and local businesses with a pint or two.
Now, the question does turn to: Who will be next to occupy that great space that they created? Will another craft brewery come in? Will it be completely changed into a deli or something? Time will tell. I will be in for at least one more beer before they officially close in late July of 2023, that's certain.