Award-Winning Memphis Brewery Closes After Bankruptcy

Memphis Made Brewing shutters taproom after Chapter 11 filing, as craft beer industry struggles continue.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 1:20am

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Memphis Made Brewing, a popular craft brewery that won multiple awards, including a top ranking for its airport bar, has closed its downtown Memphis taproom after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in August 2025. The brewery said it will continue brewing and distributing its beer, but has permanently shut down its taproom operations.

Why it matters

The closure of Memphis Made Brewing is the latest sign of the ongoing 'Craft Beer Apocalypse' that has seen numerous award-winning craft breweries across the country permanently shut down due to unsustainable costs and other economic pressures. This trend highlights the challenges facing the craft beer industry, even for well-established and acclaimed breweries.

The details

Memphis Made Brewing closed its original brewery and taproom location in the Midtown Cooper-Young neighborhood in July 2024 when its landlord wanted the space to expand. The brewery then consolidated operations at its downtown Memphis taproom, but filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in August 2025. After the bankruptcy filing, the brewery said it would continue brewing and distributing its beer, but announced on March 23, 2026 that it would be permanently closing its downtown taproom on March 29.

  • Memphis Made Brewing closed its original brewery and taproom location in July 2024.
  • The brewery filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in August 2025.
  • Memphis Made announced the closure of its downtown taproom on March 23, 2026, with the last day of operations on March 29, 2026.

The players

Memphis Made Brewing Company

A popular craft brewery in Memphis, Tennessee that won multiple awards, including a top ranking for its airport bar, before filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and closing its downtown taproom.

Drew Barton

Co-owner of Memphis Made Brewing Company.

Andy Ashby

Co-owner of Memphis Made Brewing Company.

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What they’re saying

“After much consideration, we are closing our Edge District taproom. Our last day will be March 29th.”

— Memphis Made Brewing Company

“We want to thank everyone who has come and visited us over the years. Whether you came in once or we saw you every week, we thank you. Being a part of a community as special as Memphis has been a true honor. Cheers.”

— Memphis Made Brewing Company

“When Drew (Barton) and I started Memphis Made, we really wanted to help make the city's beer scene better. Now there are more than a dozen breweries and brewpubs in Shelby County and we like to think we contributed a small part to the growth of craft beer in this area. We look forward to finding someone to continue that legacy.”

— Andy Ashby, Co-owner, Memphis Made Brewing Company

What’s next

Memphis Made Brewing said it will continue brewing and distributing its beer, and that its restaurant at Memphis International Airport will remain open, even after the closure of its downtown taproom.

The takeaway

The closure of the award-winning Memphis Made Brewing is the latest example of the ongoing challenges facing the craft beer industry, as even successful breweries struggle with unsustainable costs and other economic pressures. This trend highlights the need for craft brewers to adapt their business models to remain competitive in an increasingly crowded market.