After more than three decades of serving craft beer and pizzas in the Cass Corridor, Motor City Brewing Works says it plans on “taking a break” until further notice.
The brewery, the oldest in the city, says it was forced to reconsider its future due to the termination of the historic thermal steam line that powered it.
Motor City Brewing Works made the announcement on social media on Tuesday:
After 31 years of brewing in Detroit, we’re taking a break.
Motor City Brewing Works has always been about more than beer. It’s been about art, music, community, and the people who showed up and made it matter. We’re incredibly grateful for every pint, every show, and every memory.
Our taproom will be open through Sunday February 8, featuring a digital montage of historic brewery photos documenting the evolution of Motor City Brewing Works. After that, the taproom will pause.
This moment starts and ends on a historic note. Our brewery has been powered by the Detroit thermal steam system since its construction (the first new brewery in Detroit since prohibition). Our section of the century old system has reached the end of its useful service and was terminated on December 31. The Detroit steam powered brewery that helped change the brewing laws in Michigan is off the grid. While beer distribution to our retailers continues via help from our fellow breweries, we are using this space to explore future possibilities for the brand and the brewery as we take a thoughtful look at what comes next.
We know there will be questions. We appreciate your patience and will share updates as plans take shape. In the meantime, come raise a glass, share a story, and help us celebrate MCBW’s small contribution to the Cass Corridor and all those that helped make it happen.
Please check outwww.motorcitybeer.com for more details and updates.
Founded in 1994 by craft beer aficionado John Linardos, the brewery was known for its funky brews like Ghettoblaster Ale and Notorious DRIPA. It was also known for hosting art exhibitions and its Ghettoblaster CD compilations of local bands.
The company briefly operated a second Motor City Brewing Works location along Detroit’s Avenue of Fashion, which closed in 2023.
Motor City Brewing Works is located at 470 W. Canfield St. Detroit.