EVERETT, SEPT. 4: After close to a decade, local Everett brewery Crucible Brewing announced that it would be closing its doors at the end of the year due to ongoing struggles with finances. 

On Aug. 29, Crucible posted across its social media platforms announcing the closure.

“After much thought and reflection, we’ve made the difficult decision to close the doors of Crucible Brewing at the end of the year,” the post read, “This journey has been one of the most incredible experiences of our lives, and we are deeply grateful for the support, laughter, and memories we’ve shared with all of you.”

Co-owner Dick Mergens shared that Crucible is no longer able to afford rent and between decreasing beer sales and inflation, they weren’t able to keep up.

Mergens and co-owner Shawn Dowling wrote in the post that they felt it was time to “pass the torch and move on to new chapters in our lives.”

Photo of co-owner Dick Mergens (right) and co-owner Shawn Dowling (left). Photo taken from their website.

Mergens and Dowling are looking for another brewery to take over the lease. If you are interested reach out to [email protected]

This month we spoke to Mergens about the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on local breweries. He said since the shutdown, Crucible has been on a steady decline.

Crucible hosted a fireside chat on Facebook Live, Saturday Aug. 31 answering questions about the closure. He shared during the Live that Crucible was in debt to its landlords and haven’t been able to keep up with rising costs. 

“By far the worst decision we ever had to make but we did have to lay off the entire staff,” Mergens said during the Facebook Live. Mergens and Dowling plan to run the brewery themselves until a new tenant is chosen or they close at the end of the year.

Pour Decisions, a collaboration between Crucible and Soundbite Cider located in Seattle was planning to close whether Crucible stayed open or not, Mergens said. Pour Decision will close on Sept. 14.

“As we prepare to close our doors, we want to thank each and every one of you for your unwavering support. Whether you were here from the beginning or just discovered us recently, you’ve made this journey worthwhile. Thank you,” the post ended.

18 comments
  1. Johnny C.
    Johnny C.
    September 6, 2024 at 1:08 pm

    Bummer. I love their blood red orange. I found it about a year ago. That was my favorite beer. I love going there for a cold brew.

    Reply
  2. Mark Butler
    Mark Butler
    September 6, 2024 at 1:26 am

    Blame Trump for this closure. They said the decline started with Covid, wh* was POTUS when it hit?? Mmhmmm.

    Reply
  3. David Hulbert
    David Hulbert
    September 5, 2024 at 8:56 pm

    Sadly there are literally tens of thousands of this same story across America. The economic suicide of the last 4 years has killed the h*pes and dreams of countless young would be business successes! Shane on Biden and Commie-law Harris.

    Reply
  4. Jewels
    Jewels
    September 5, 2024 at 2:58 pm

    Hilarious h*w it’s always MAGA turning comment sections into politics!

    Reply
  5. L
    L
    September 5, 2024 at 12:03 pm

    Good, the owner was a r***** anyways.

    Reply
    • Tom
      Tom
      September 5, 2024 at 4:41 pm

      “L” must stand for loser.

      Reply
    • Devan
      Devan
      September 6, 2024 at 2:34 am

      True that

      Reply
  6. Bee
    Bee
    September 5, 2024 at 10:31 am

    The picture of beer drinking on the ferry deck is a puzzler as you can’t drink alcohol outside the galley….

    Reply
    • Tom
      Tom
      September 5, 2024 at 11:49 am

      It’s the fun police, pull over. You’re having too much fun.

      Reply
    • Neilomalley
      Neilomalley
      September 5, 2024 at 12:18 pm

      For crying out loud! It’s just a photo op

      Reply
    • King Bee
      King Bee
      September 5, 2024 at 3:27 pm

      We’ve been doing it for over two years now.
      Where have you been?

      Reply
  7. Bruce Benenati
    Bruce Benenati
    September 5, 2024 at 6:31 am

    So sorry to see you go. I wish you guys ( Crucible ) would hang on because when pres. Trump regains the white h*use our economy will come roaring back so you will be able to flourish and keep the good times rolling. Consider it. I could be interested in investing in Crucible’s future. I live next door to the business park.

    Reply
    • Tina Cronin
      Tina Cronin
      September 5, 2024 at 12:41 pm

      Yes!! Cant wait for Trump to fix this mess!!!!!

      Reply
      • Steve F.
        Steve F.
        September 5, 2024 at 2:52 pm

        Trump will only do harm. The economy has historically been better under Democrats. I was laid off during Trump and am at a new peak net worth now. Harris has pledged a $50K tax break for small businesses.

        Reply
      • Steve F.
        Steve F.
        September 5, 2024 at 4:54 pm

        Trump would only cause harm. Harris has pledged $50K tax breaks for small businesses.

        Reply
      • Steve
        Steve
        September 5, 2024 at 7:44 pm

        🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

        Reply
    • Mike
      Mike
      September 5, 2024 at 12:43 pm

      😂😂😂😂😂😂

      Reply
  8. jim jim
    jim jim
    September 5, 2024 at 5:45 am

    most people are broke now,,

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Comments that go against our community guidelines will be removed.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *