Kingfly Spirits in Pittsburgh's Strip District Closes After 7 Years

The popular craft distillery announced it is moving on to another chapter after hosting a variety of events and celebrations.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Kingfly Spirits, a craft distillery that opened in 2019 in Pittsburgh's Strip District, has announced that it is closing its doors for good after 7 years in business. The distillery expressed gratitude for the support and patronage of the community, noting that it had evolved into a celebrated events space in addition to its distilling operations.

Why it matters

The closure of Kingfly Spirits represents the challenges faced by small businesses, especially in the hospitality industry, in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The distillery's ability to pivot and host a variety of community events highlights the important role these local establishments can play, but ultimately the business was unable to sustain operations.

The details

Kingfly Spirits announced on Wednesday that it is permanently closing its Smallman Street location in Pittsburgh's Strip District. The distillery opened in 2019 and in addition to its craft spirits, it had evolved into a popular events venue, hosting weddings, parties, and other community gatherings. However, the distillery said it could not continue operations and is refunding any money owed for future scheduled events.

  • Kingfly Spirits opened in 2019.
  • The distillery announced its permanent closure on February 12, 2026.

The players

Kingfly Spirits

A craft distillery that opened in 2019 in Pittsburgh's Strip District and hosted a variety of community events in addition to its distilling operations.

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The takeaway

The closure of Kingfly Spirits is a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by small businesses, especially in the hospitality industry, as they navigate the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. While the distillery was able to pivot and become a hub for community events, it ultimately could not sustain operations, highlighting the fragility of these local establishments that play such an important role in their neighborhoods.