Bristol-Based Craft Brewery Shuts Down Operations

BRISTOL, CT — A popular brewery and taproom in Bristol that was a destination for beer-lovers throughout the region has abruptly shut down.

According to head brewer and co-owner Dana Bourque, the Firefly Hollow Brewing operation at 139 Center St., Bristol, is closed indefinitely as of Wednesday.

Bourque posted a heart-felt message about the closing via Facebook on Wednesday.

"It's a sad day for me to share this news. The Firefly Hollow Brewery is now closed until further notice," he wrote. "We hope to be back at some point, but we're closing as we formulate a plan forward."

After brewing his beer at home in 2007, Bourque and business partner Rich Loomis opened Firefly Hollow in 2013, according to the brewery's website.

With unique, upscale craft brews ranging from "Choconaut" to "Moonrise Amber" and "Cone Flakes," the brewery's offerings teased the pallette and continued to turn beer-drinking and beer-making into the art form it is seen as by beer lovers.

The operation sold its wide variety of brews in its taproom, at area restaurants and in stores, also hosting special events and musicians at the Bristol site.

While a reason for the closure wasn't given, bars, restaurants and breweries in general are still struggling to recover from losses related to the pandemic, which hit in 2020.

Many other restaurants and eateries have shut down due to supply issues, inflation, staffing shortages and a general decline in business post-pandemic.

In saying goodbye, Bourque thanked all he worked with and worked for.

"To those who have made this possible over the years, I couldn't be more grateful. It's been a pleasure serving the Bristol Community," wrote Bourque. "We built more than just a brewery, and I've been honored to share in that."

Wednesday's announcement came more than a week after it announced that it would be closed on Mondays only, with the rest of the schedule remaining the same.

For more information on Firefly Hollow Brewing, click on this link.