Key points:
- Brewdog’s Atlanta location closed on March 9 after nearly 4 years at Krog District.
- The UK brewpub brand is undergoing an acquisition by US-based Tilray Brands, which started with its UK and Irish assets on March 2.
- Brewdog has weathered several controversies over the last two decades, including harassment complaints, discrimination violations, and violating United States distribution laws.
The Atlanta location of BrewDog permanently closed on March 9 after nearly four years at the Krog District.
BrewDog opened along the Eastside Beltline across from Krog Street Market in 2022, taking over part of a space once occupied by Chef Kevin Rathbun’s Krog Bar.
“After several amazing years on the BeltLine, BrewDog Atlanta is closing its doors today. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who joined us for a pint, brought friends, celebrated milestones, and made this bar part of the neighborhood,” a March 9 Instagram post from BrewDog reads.
“This was not an easy decision, but as we look toward the future of the business, we’re focused on how best to position BrewDog’s brands for the next chapter in the U.S.,” the statement continues.
Related story:
• Tilray purchases BrewDog’s UK assets, US and Atlanta locations currently unaffected
Tilray Brands acquiring BrewDog
Rough Draft first reported on the sale of BrewDog’s UK assets to US-based Tilray Brands on March 4, detailing the closures of dozens of locations throughout the UK and Ireland, as well as some international outposts.
At the time of publication, Tilray was still in negotiations with BrewDog to acquire the brewpub’s Australian and US assets. Tilray moved forward with the purchase of BrewDog’s Australian properties. However, negotiations to acquire certain US assets of BrewDog continue.
Tilray Brands also owns Atlanta-based SweetWater Brewing, which it purchased in 2021 via a merger with Aphria. Tilray purchased a majority stake in Athens-based Terrapin Beer Co. in 2024.
When reached for comment on March 4 about the future of BrewDog Atlanta, Krog District owners 26 Street Partners declined to comment.
However, the company did provide Rough Draft with the following statement regarding the March 9 closure of BrewDog at the Krog District, “We’re thankful for BrewDog’s time at The Krog District and the hospitality they brought to the community over the last three and a half years. We wish the team the best in their next chapter.”
26 Street Partners declined to comment further on a replacement for BrewDog at Krog District and referred Rough Draft to BrewDog corporate for further details on the Atlanta closure.
In addition to Atlanta, BrewDog includes locations in Las Vegas, Cleveland, Denver, and the Columbus, Ohio area, where US operations are based.
BrewDog’s history of controversy
Founded in Scotland in 2007 by James Watt and Martin Dickie, BrewDog has weathered a number of controversies, including toxic workplace and discrimination complaints, misrepresentation of financial accomplishments, and violating United States distribution laws.
Watt stepped down as CEO in 2024 amid allegations of inappropriate behavior and fostering toxicity at BrewDog. He retained 21 percent ownership of the company and competed to buy back BrewDog in the recent sale process.
Dickie left BrewDog last year for “personal reasons” and started a cannabis company.
