Guinness Brewery in Maryland to Close Amid Diageo’s Restructuring
The Guinness Open Gate Brewery located in Halethorpe, Maryland, will soon shut down, leaving the Guinness brewery in Chicago as the only U.S. site. The closure will happen on November 1, affecting 174 Aramark employees, according to a notice filed with the Maryland Department of Labor.
This decision is part of a broader $1 billion restructuring initiative by Diageo, the parent company of Guinness. Reports indicate some teams at Diageo will experience a reduction of 20% to 30% in staff.
“This decision follows a careful review of our operations and long-term business priorities,” a Diageo spokesperson said. The closure, according to Diageo, doesn’t reflect the capabilities or commitment of its staff, nor the support from the Baltimore community since 2018 when the brewery opened.
Since opening, the Baltimore brewery has attracted over 2 million visitors. Historically, it was the first Guinness brewery established in the U.S. since the closure of a previous New York location in 1954.
Derek Brown of Drink Company shared thoughts on the closure, noting, “It’s disappointing to see the Guinness brewery close in Maryland.” Brown believes the focus on experimental beers, not central to Guinness’ core business, might have been a factor.
At the brewery, guests explored their creativity with 700 different beers brewed over the years. Despite the exciting experimentation, shifting trends in alcohol consumption likely influenced the decision to close. U.S. alcohol consumption has decreased for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, and the practice of “zebra striping,” where consumers switch between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, is gaining popularity.
Diageo expressed its dedication to supporting affected employees during this transition and confirmed its commitment to the Guinness brand, emphasizing its continued importance and investment in long-term growth. Even with the brewery’s closure, Diageo remains committed to delivering Guinness worldwide.
Sadie Chafe contributes to Fox News Digital’s Lifestyle team.