Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Maryland to Close Amid Diageo’s Restructuring Plan

The Guinness Open Gate Brewery located in Halethorpe, Maryland, near Baltimore, will shut down permanently by Nov. 1. This closure leaves Guinness’ Chicago brewery as its sole U.S. establishment.

The shutdown will result in the loss of jobs for 174 Aramark employees, according to a notice submitted to the Maryland Department of Labor on Oct. 1. This decision is part of Diageo’s $1 billion restructuring initiative, the parent company of Guinness.

A reduction in workforce at Diageo has impacted some departments by as much as 20% to 30%, as reported by Reuters in July.

“This decision follows a careful review of our operations and long-term business priorities,” remarked a Diageo spokesperson. ”It does not reflect the passion, talent, or dedication of our team, nor the support from consumers and the Baltimore community since our opening in 2018.”

Since commencing operations in 2018, the brewery has attracted over 2 million visitors, according to their Facebook page.

This brewery marked Guinness’ first U.S. venture since its New York brewery closed in 1954, according to FOX Business.

Derek Brown, associated with Drink Company, a hospitality consulting firm in Washington, D.C., expressed disappointment over the closure, acknowledging its focus on experimental products rather than Guinness’ core offerings.

The brewery provided patrons the opportunity to create unique brews, resulting in the creation of more than 700 beers, as noted on their Facebook page.

Shifts in alcohol consumption patterns have influenced this decision, as new studies reveal a decline in U.S. alcohol consumption for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, Fox News Digital reported.

There’s an emerging trend known as “zebra striping,” where individuals alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, contributing to the decreased consumption, experts note.

A spokesperson for Diageo emphasized their priority in supporting affected employees and providing resources during this transition.

“While our Baltimore brewery will close, our commitment to bringing Guinness to consumers worldwide remains firm,” the spokesperson stated.