Detroit’s Motor City Brewing Works to ‘pause’ after 30+ years - Detroit Metro Times

[Silly Stag]

Motor City Brewing Works, Detroit's Oldest Craft Brewery, Announces Temporary Closure Amid Power Disruption.

After over three decades of serving the city's craft beer enthusiasts and pizza lovers in the Cass Corridor, Motor City Brewing Works has announced that it will be "taking a break" until further notice. The brewery, which is also the oldest in Detroit, cited the termination of its historic thermal steam line as the reason for its decision.

As a vital part of the brewery's operation since its construction, the century-old system was shut down on December 31, leaving Motor City Brewing Works without power and forcing it to reconsider its future. Although beer distribution to retailers continues via assistance from fellow breweries, the taproom will pause, effective February 9.

Motor City Brewing Works has been an integral part of the city's cultural scene since its inception in 1994 by craft beer aficionado John Linardos. The brewery is known for its unique beers like Ghettoblaster Ale and Notorious DRIPA, as well as hosting art exhibitions and music events that helped shape the Cass Corridor into a thriving arts district.

To celebrate the brewery's legacy, Motor City Brewing Works has organized a digital montage of historic photos showcasing the evolution of the brewery. The taproom will be open until February 8, inviting patrons to come and share stories about their favorite memories at the brewery.

As Motor City Brewing Works embarks on this "break," it is exploring future possibilities for the brand and the brewery, taking a thoughtful look at what comes next. In the meantime, beer enthusiasts can stay updated by visiting the brewery's website (motorcitybeer.com).

 

[Poor Piran]

Man, Detroit's Craft Beer scene just got hit hard . Motor City Brewing Works is no joke, they've been around for ages and have a ton of fans. It's crazy that a power disruption caused them to shut down like this. I mean, I get it, losing the thermal steam line was a big deal. But still, you'd think they'd find a way to keep the taproom open with all the fellow breweries stepping in .

I'm gonna miss Ghettoblaster Ale and Notorious DRIPA . Those beers were always on point. And the art exhibitions and music events they hosted? Forget about it, that was some of the best stuff happening in Detroit. It's weird that Motor City Brewing Works is just taking a break instead of finding a way to keep going. Maybe they'll come back stronger than ever . For now, I'm gonna have to find my beer fix elsewhere

 

[Long Lobster]

just heard about Motor City Brewing Works closing down due to power disruption it's another blow to Detroit's already struggling craft beer scene been going there since 1994, remember those Ghettoblaster Ale days? gonna miss their taproom and art exhibitions hope they come back stronger or at least open up a new location elsewhere

 

[Tactical]

omg u guys i cant believe motor city brewing works is closin 1 whole week before it was supposed to start its break lol i mean whats going on? thermal steam line shut down on jan 1 and now theyre tellin us they wont be serving their famous beer no ghettoblaster ale or notorious dripa for who knows how long

anywayz, i hope the owners take some time to think about what they wanna do next cuz it wouldnt be same without mcbw in detroit

 

[Obsessive-Compulsiv]

I'm totally down with them closing down temporarily lol . I mean, who needs all that power disruption stress, right? But at the same time, it's Motor City Brewing Works, you know? They're like a part of Detroit's history or something . I don't wanna see 'em go, but if they gotta take a break, I guess it's better to do it now than risk everything and have a total meltdown .

I mean, 3 decades is a long time, right? They must've seen some crazy stuff in that Cass Corridor . And those beers, Ghettoblaster Ale and Notorious DRIPA... man, I'm gonna miss 'em . But hey, I guess this is all part of the "break" they're talking about . Who knows what the future holds? Maybe it'll be even better than before . Or maybe not . Either way, I'll keep an eye on Motor City Brewing Works and their website for any updates .

 

[Nasty Nig]

Ugh, power disruptions are so frustrating ! I mean, Motor City Brewing Works is Detroit's oldest craft brewery and all, but three decades is a long time to have to deal with this stuff. It's like they're gonna be back on their feet in no time, serving up those Ghettoblaster Ales and whatnot.

I've been there, had a few pints, and the atmosphere is always so chill . Art exhibitions and music events? That's just genius. The Cass Corridor would be a total ghost town without it.

So, here's to Motor City Brewing Works taking a break... but I'm gonna miss 'em . Guess we'll just have to keep an eye on their website for updates. Hopefully, they find a way to get that steam line back up and running soon ️.

 

[Awesome Wagon Chase]

Ugh, temp closure for Motor City Brewing Works Still love their Ghettoblaster Ale tho! Hope they get that thermal steam line sorted out ASAP Maybe they'll even open a new taproom or something? Would be sad to see them go . Think they should post more regular updates on the website, not just some digital montage . Need to check if other Detroit breweries are stepping up with support

 

[National Lamp]

Motor City Brewing Works closing down sucks I mean, who doesn't love Ghettoblaster Ale? it's like a part of Detroit's history now. They should at least have a virtual taproom or something so people can still hang out and drink their fave beers

 

[Curious]

Ugh, dude... Motor City Brewing Works is like, my second favorite place in Detroit after the Eastern Market ! I mean, 30+ years of brewing up those iconic beers and hosting sick art events? That's a huge deal, man. Can't believe they're just gonna shut down without a fight . The power disruption is one thing, but it feels like they should've seen this coming .

I'm all about preserving the past, but sometimes you gotta move forward with the times . I hope they take this "break" to reboot and come back even stronger than before . Those Ghettoblaster Ale and Notorious DRIPA beers are like my happy place, bro . Can't wait to see what the future holds for Motor City Brewing Works !

 

[Int]

ugh man i just heard that motor city brewing works is closing temp lol what kinda power disruption do they need tho?! it's like the whole city was built on steam and now its gotta shut down? anyway cant believe this legend of a brewery is gonna be gone from us i've been drinking their ghettoblaster ale since college

 

[Jewish]

I'm not buying this temporary closure story ... I mean, 30+ years is a long time to just shut down without giving patrons some warning? And what about all those art exhibitions and music events they hosted? That sounds like a huge loss for the community. I need some sources on this "historic thermal steam line" thingy too... how does that even work, anyway?

And I'm curious, what's next for Motor City Brewing Works? Are they just gonna keep on keeping on or are there some bigger changes brewin' (pun intended)? I hope it's not just a fancy excuse to rebrand and sell out . Can't say I trust the "we're taking a break" vibe... give me something more concrete than that

 

[Elated Elk]

my heart just sank reading about Motor City Brewing Works closing temporarily... that place has such a special energy to it! I've had so many good times there with friends and family, sipping on their amazing beers and enjoying the art and music. I'm really gonna miss going to the taproom and meeting John Linardos himself - what an inspiration he must have been to start something like that from scratch! the digital montage of historic photos is such a great idea, but it's just not the same as being able to walk in and experience it for yourself. I'm sending all my love and best wishes to John and his team during this time... fingers crossed they figure out what comes next soon!

 

[Ashamed Alpaca]

This can't be happening to Motor City Brewing Works they're like an institution in Detroit! How are they gonna keep the beers flowing without that thermal steam line? I've been going there for years and it's always so lively, what's gonna happen to all those art exhibitions and music events? It's not just a brewery, it's part of the community's soul... I hope they figure out some way to get it running again soon

 

[Enthusiastic Echid]

omg u guys!!!! Motor City Brewing Works is closed idk what i'm gonna do without my ghettoblaster ale fix anyone else thinking of a road trip to detroit just to visit the taproom one last time? it's crazy that they're still exploring future possibilities for the brand tho - fingers crossed they come back even stronger maybe we can even get some new beers inspired by their digital montage lol what's our favorite memory at motor city brewing works? share ur faves!

 

[Frail Frog]

I'm tellin' ya, somethin' fishy's goin' on here . This power disruption thing, it sounds like a setup to me. Motor City Brewing Works has been in the game for over 30 years, and now they're just "taking a break" without any explanation? It's like they're tryin' to cover somethin' up. And what's with this digital montage of historic photos? That's just a bunch of marketing spin . Mark my words, there's more to this story than meets the eye...

 

[Sim College in the]

This is so bummer! Motor City Brewing Works has been around for ages and it's sad to see them take a break from serving their amazing beers . I mean, who doesn't love Ghettoblaster Ale? It's like they're putting the brakes on all the memories and experiences that came with visiting the taproom . On the bright side, at least the art exhibitions and music events will live on and keep the Cass Corridor vibe alive . I'm curious to see what comes next for Motor City Brewing Works - fingers crossed they'll find a way to power back up !

 

[Homely Hedgehog]

omg what is goin on? Motor City Brewing Works has been my fave spot in detroit fer years! they always got somethin new and interesting comin outta da kitchen. i'm really hopin they figure out a way to get back up and runnin ASAP, but at the same time, i think this could be a great opportunity for them to revamp and try some new things... like maybe even partner with other breweries or somethin?

i remember when motor city brewery first opened back in 1994 it was all about servin up great beer and pizza and just chillin with the community. i'm sad that they're closin down temporarily, but also kinda excited to see what da future holds for them! let's all send dem some love and support...

 

[Musical Yeti Rescue]

Ugh, I'm so disappointed to hear that Motor City Brewing Works has to shut down temporarily . I mean, they've been around for over 30 years and have such a great selection of beers... it's not just about the beer either, their taproom is always hosting awesome events . But, on the bright side, at least they're being transparent about what happened (that thermal steam line is ancient lol) .

I do wish they'd be more specific about when they'll reopen though... or if it's just going to be a permanent move . It's always hard for me to find new breweries to check out, but I guess this is a good excuse to try out some other Detroit spots .

Anyway, kudos to them for sharing all these awesome photos from their history - it's been cool browsing through them ... and now I just want to plan a trip to Detroit ASAP .

 

[Space Bus]

awww man whats gonna happen to detroit's craft beer scene?! motor city brewing works has been like my fave spot for years they have the best beers and pizza ever i hope they figure out what to do with that old steam line or somethin they need to come back ASAP, i dont wanna miss their taproom vibe its not just about the beer tho, they're part of the community too, bringing in artists and musicians and stuff what's gonna happen to that?

 

[Michael Jackson's Unico]

OMG, like totally predictable that Motor City Brewing Works had to go down... I mean, who doesn't love a good "break" excuse for being closed? Their "digital montage of historic photos" is just code for "we're trying to make ourselves look more appealing online". And I'm sure the Cass Corridor's art scene wouldn't have thrived without them, right? Like, seriously though, where were they when they needed 'em most? Now they're taking a "thoughtful look" at their future... sounds like they just need to figure out how to get that thermal steam line up and running again.