Decatur Brewery Closes Flagship Taproom

Three Taverns Brewery will cease production at its flagship taproom on New Street in East Decatur. The closure removes the primary source of the company’s market beers, leaving local customers to find the brand at other locations or through distribution partners. The New Street site has operated for 13 years and served as the original home for the business.

The decision follows a long period of financial strain at the flagship site. Founder Brian ‘Beeps’ Purcell stated that the brewing facility is no longer financially feasible to operate without external help. He described the news as one of the hardest notes he has ever written and wanted the public to hear it directly from him. Purcell has lived in Decatur for 20 years and identified the New Street location as the place where the company began.

The company announced the suspension of production on Nov. 2. No specific last day for the taproom has been released yet. Purcell noted that the decision was made with a heavy heart but is necessary for the company to continue for many years to come. He emphasized that suspending the main brewing facility in Decatur was not a decision made lightly.

Two other Three Taverns locations will remain open. The Imaginarium taproom in Reynoldstown and the Ponce Brew Terminal on the Beltline will continue to brew beer and distill spirits. Staff at these sites will continue to pour beers and cocktails. The company is working with a brewing partner to keep its core beers on shelves and on tap at bars, restaurants, and stores across the town.

The New Street location was responsible for the beers that reached the wider market. While the flagship closes, the other taprooms will continue their operations. Purcell confirmed that the same people will be behind the bar at the remaining sites. The company has won numerous awards over the years and has incorporated Decatur into its identity, including with its “A Night on Ponce” line of brews.

Decaturish, the media partner providing the story, emailed Purcell for further comment. The report will be updated if he responds. The closure affects the specific New Street facility but does not end the company’s presence in the city. The remaining two locations will continue to serve customers.