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MADISON, Wisconsin – The Madison Rockhound Brewing Co. brewery pub was forced to close its doors to the public for the last time on Saturday due to the economic effects of the pandemic.
The pub brewery first announced plans to close last month. Owner and brewer Nate Warnke said he never imagined his business would end so abruptly and madly, calling it a ‘shipwreck fashion’.
Initially after the outbreak of the pandemic, Rockhound Brewing Co. switched to only doing takeout orders, and Warnke had to let go of 21 of the 23 employees he had.
After later reopening to the public with limited capacity, the pub brewery was not able to do enough to stay afloat. Warnke said he couldn’t see a way forward through the pandemic, which ultimately led him to decide to shut down the pub. “It will be an emotional moment,” Warnke said.
Many loyal customers came through Rockhound Brewing Co. on Saturday to say goodbye to employees and have a nightcap, showing a flood of support for the company.
“I’ve gotten incredible amounts of emails and a few phone calls and texts, and even people stop just to say ‘we’re sorry to see you go,’ Warnke said. “It’s really a little sad moment.”
Rockhound Brewing Co. opened in April 2016 when Warnke decided to quit his 12-year professional job to start a small business in his hobby, home brewing. Its goal was to create a sense of community behind the business.
“There were a lot of people whose names we knew and they really enjoyed knowing that we really know who they are and that we really care about them,” said House Manager Jaimie Fairbanks.
Warnke said he hopes Rockhound Brewing Co. will help the community see that “you can build a family business that does things with your heart, mind and feelings.”
Although catering is no longer available, the brew pub will continue to sell its beer in growlers and crowlers on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays while supplies last.
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