Rogue Ales Abruptly Closes Oregon Operations

In a stunning development, Rogue Ales & Spirits, one of Oregon's most iconic craft breweries, has abruptly ceased all operations. The Newport-based company, a cornerstone of the state's beer scene since 1988, shut down its flagship brewery, restaurants, and all locations on Friday, November 14th, 2025, leaving employees stunned and creditors facing significant debts.

A Sudden End to a 37-Year Legacy

The closure came with virtually no warning. Employees reportedly received a notification via the company's scheduling app at 8:00 AM on Friday, informing them that all Rogue Ales locations were closing immediately. Workers were told they would be paid through the end of the day, just two weeks before Thanksgiving, according to a manager at the West Salem pub.

This abrupt end brings to a close the story of Rogue Ales, founded in Ashland in 1988 by Jack Joyce, Bob Woodell, Rob Strasser, and Jeff Schultz. After relocating to Newport in 1989, the company grew to become one of the Top 10 craft breweries in Oregon, renowned for innovative beers like Hazelnut Nectar, Shakespeare Stout, and the legendary Dead Guy Ale. For over 30 years, its Newport headquarters overlooking Yaquina Bay was a major tourist attraction and a vital part of the local community, sponsoring events and employing about 60 people.

"There was no warning, no heads up, just an announcement that said we were going to be paid until the end of today. They wished everyone well...two weeks before Thanksgiving."

Mounting Financial Pressures

The sudden closure wasn't entirely unexpected behind the scenes. Rogue Ales had been facing severe financial difficulties for some time. The company owes a staggering $545,000 in back rent to the Port of Newport for its massive 47,000-square-foot South Beach facility, which housed its brewery, warehouse, and restaurant operations. This debt accumulated despite the Port working with Rogue on repayment plans for months. Furthermore, Rogue is also delinquent on over $30,000 in property taxes owed to Lincoln County.

The Port of Newport confirmed that Rogue President Steven Garrett informed them of the decision to close on Friday morning. In October, the Port had already taken steps to mitigate losses by leasing a portion of Rogue's separate 4,800-square-foot distillery building to Newport-based seafood processor West Coast Seafood, indicating Rogue was moving away from spirits production.

Industry-Wide Struggles and Contributing Factors

Rogue's closure is part of a troubling trend within the craft beer industry. Oregon has lost nearly 75 breweries, taprooms, or brewpubs since the pandemic. Nationwide, the craft beer market declined by 4% in 2024. Rogue itself saw an 18% drop in sales that year, one of the largest among Oregon's top craft breweries.

Industry analysts cite several contributing factors: persistent supply chain issues, high inflation, ongoing labor shortages, and a general downward trend in alcohol consumption. Small and mid-sized breweries have been hit particularly hard. Adding to Rogue's potential challenges was its recent pivot into hemp-derived products. In June 2025, Rogue launched THC recreational seltzer drinks in flavors like Blackberry Cucumber and Pineapple Guava, signing a national distribution deal with U.S. Beverage LLC. However, President Donald Trump signed a bill on November 13th, 2025, that effectively bans most hemp-derived THC products, potentially dealing a significant blow to this new venture just before the closure.

The Human Cost and Community Impact

The closure immediately impacted employees at all Rogue locations, including its remaining pubs in Astoria, West Salem, and Southeast Portland, as well as the flagship Newport brewpub. The loss of approximately 60 jobs in Newport and others at the pubs is a significant blow to the affected communities and the workers themselves.

For Newport, the closure of such a visible and long-standing business is a major blow. Rogue wasn't just an employer; it was a community fixture and a key economic driver. The future of the large Port-owned building now hangs in the balance as the Port seeks to find a new tenant for the vast production space.

As the dust settles, questions remain about the financial state of Rogue Ales & Spirits as a whole and whether this is the definitive end of the brand or a restructuring. The company has declined offers to sell in the past, but its future is now deeply uncertain. The abrupt shutdown marks the end of an era for a brewery that helped put American craft beer on the map, leaving behind only memories, unpaid bills, and a significant void in Oregon's vibrant beer culture.