Popular Monterey Peninsula Taproom Shutting Down

Owner cites rising costs and fewer customers as reasons for closing two locations

Mar. 13, 2026 at 10:04pm

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Post No Bills, a popular watering hole on the Monterey Peninsula since 2011, has confirmed it will be closing both its Carmel and Sand City locations in the coming months. Owner Kye Ricks attributed the closures to rising operating expenses and a decline in customers in recent years, especially since the pandemic.

Why it matters

The closure of Post No Bills, a long-standing local business, reflects broader economic challenges facing the hospitality industry in the Monterey area, including the lingering impacts of the pandemic and the rising costs of doing business. The loss of this popular taproom will be felt by the local community.

The details

Ricks said that once he started having trouble paying his staff, he knew the situation was unsustainable, so he made the difficult decision to shut down. He added that since the pandemic, he has seen fewer and fewer customers and has noticed a decline in drinking. Ricks said he took out loans during the pandemic and opened a second location at the Carmel Barnyard in 2023 to bring in more revenue, but it was not enough to offset the rising costs.

  • Post No Bills will close its Carmel location by the end of March 2026.
  • Post No Bills will close its Sand City location in May 2026.

The players

Kye Ricks

The owner of Post No Bills, a popular watering hole on the Monterey Peninsula.

Post No Bills

A staple on the Monterey Peninsula since 2011, with two locations in Carmel and Sand City.

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What they’re saying

“Once I started having trouble paying my staff, I knew that wasn't right for them, so I made the difficult decision to shut down.”

— Kye Ricks, Owner

“Since the pandemic, I have seen fewer and fewer customers and have noticed fewer people drinking. I'm happy for everyone's health, but when you own a bar, it isn't the best for business.”

— Kye Ricks, Owner

What’s next

Ricks says the Carmel location will move to limited hours starting next week as the business prepares to close both locations in the coming months.

The takeaway

The closure of Post No Bills, a long-standing local business, highlights the ongoing challenges facing the hospitality industry in the Monterey area, including rising costs and changing consumer behavior in the wake of the pandemic. This loss will be felt by the local community, which has enjoyed the taproom as a gathering place for over a decade.