Harriet Brewing will shutter on January 31 after six years in business, founder Jason Sowards told the Star Tribune on Tuesday.
Sowards said he and his staff at the Minnehaha Avenue brewery and tap room -- which is known for its live music and focuses on traditional styles like Belgian ales and German lagers -- couldn't come to terms with the building's owner about decisions moving forward. A rent increase, necessary repairs to the brewery and potential plans to build an apartment complex on the adjacent parking lot that Harriet Brewing regularly used for festivals had Sowards first looking at other locations, then ultimately deciding it didn't make financial sense.
"It's sad but at the same time it's a huge weight lifted," he said. "It was getting pretty tough. So it's time to move on and see what's down the road."
Harriet will still celebrate it's six-year anniversary on Jan. 29.
"We're trying to hold a very postitive closing and really just celebrate it," Sowards said. "We're going to be going right up until the end."
