Working Class Brewery Shuts Down After 8.5 Years

West Side Cleveland brewery cites drops in revenue as key factor in closure.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 2:31pm

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Working Class Brewery, a craft brewery located on Cleveland's west side, has announced that it is shutting down operations after 8.5 years in business. The brewery cited economic factors, shifts in market trends, and a significant decrease in taproom revenue as the primary reasons for the closure.

Why it matters

The closure of Working Class Brewery is the latest in a series of brewery shutdowns in the Northeast Ohio region, highlighting the challenges facing small, independent breweries in the current economic climate. The brewery's focus on serving the working-class community of Cleveland's west side made it a unique and beloved local institution.

The details

Working Class Brewery opened in 2017 in a strip mall at the northwest corner of Lorain Avenue and Rocky River Drive on Cleveland's west side. It had the feel of a corner bar but with craft beer, using a 10-barrel system and offering more than a dozen taps. The brewery was known for its punch clock mounted on the wall, which allowed customers to earn points for shirts and hats.

  • Working Class Brewery opened in 2017.
  • The brewery announced its closure on Facebook on February 1, 2026.

The players

Working Class Brewery

A craft brewery located on Cleveland's west side that focused on serving the working-class community.

Rich Skains

One of the co-founders of Working Class Brewery.

Carmen Russoniello

The original business partner of Rich Skains in founding Working Class Brewery.

Midnight Owl Brewing Co.

Another Northeast Ohio brewery that announced a shutdown, located in Shaker Heights.

Voodoo Brewing

A Cleveland Heights brewery that also announced a shutdown.

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What they’re saying

“After 8.5 years in business we have made the difficult decision to close our doors. Economic factors, shifts in market trends, as well as personal reasons have led us to this decision but ultimately the decrease in taproom revenue, 25% after the Covid Pandemic and then another 18% over the past year have forced us to close the doors.”

— Working Class Brewery (Facebook)

The takeaway

The closure of Working Class Brewery is a reflection of the challenging economic environment facing small, independent breweries in the region. It highlights the importance of adaptability and resilience in the face of shifting market trends and external factors like the COVID-19 pandemic. The loss of this beloved community-focused brewery is a reminder of the fragility of small businesses and the need to support local enterprises.