CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Weathered Souls, a Black-owned brewery in Charlotte's Lower South End that has been a voice for inclusion in the beer industry, announced this week it's closing their Charlotte taproom.
The San Antonio-based brewery opened its Charlotte taproom in November 2022 and was, at the time, Charlotte's only Black-owned brewery. It's estimated that African American business owners make up less than 1% of craft brewery owners in the United States, according to a 2019 survey from the Brewers Association.
“I’ve been in the beer industry for five years," brewer Zachary Holt told WCNC Charlotte in February 2023. "I did not see very many customers, or employees, that looked like me or represented me."
The brewery worked to change that with the goal of creating diversity in beer.
“Change is definitely available but we have to keep it at the forefront. We have to keep wanting it because if you come in one time and you enjoy the space - and you leave and don’t come back - it's hard for places like this to survive,” Holt said at the time.
In December, the brewery announced it was closing its kitchen but that the taproom would stay open until further notice. That time has come to an end.
"Through all of the hardships that we are faced in the past year and successes that we have had, we have always loved the Charlotte community," the brewery said in an Instagram post on Dec. 15. "We appreciate everything that you guys do for us and everything that we can do for y’all."
The Charlotte taproom will now be closed after this week. Weathered Souls said on social media that its "final hurrah" would be April 6 from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
"This is our last call in Charlotte," the announcement shared Monday on social media reads. "Here’s to the next chapter!"
Following the closure, Jenny Sassman Waters , the executive director of the Charlotte Independent Brewers Alliance, released a statement:
"We acknowledge the recent closures of several Charlotte-area breweries, which undoubtedly impacts both the local brewing industry and the community that has supported them. Our thoughts are with the employees and stakeholders affected by these closures. However, it's important to recognize that the closure of a few breweries does not diminish the vibrancy and resilience of the Charlotte beer scene as a whole. Brewery closures sometimes involve more than meets the eye and should not be an indication that our local industry is struggling or oversaturated. With a diverse array of breweries continuing to thrive and innovate, Charlotte remains a hub for craft beer enthusiasts and a testament to the spirit of entrepreneurship in our city. We encourage Charlotteans to continue supporting their local breweries, whether they've been established for years or are just starting out. Together, we can ensure that the Charlotte beer scene not only endures but continues to flourish, offering unique and exciting experiences for residents and visitors alike."