Salem Beer Works May Not Reopen

SALEM, MA —A Salem business that was at the forefront of the craft brew pub trend may become a victim of the coronavirus crisis.

In a note to customers, Salem Beer Works said it is unsure when it will be able to reopen and "may very well be unable to re-open at all." The note was posted on the restaurant Monday, the same day many Salem restaurants begin offering outdoor seating under the second phase of the state's four-phase business reopening protocol.

"Unfortunately, we have been unable to work out an agreement with the new owner of the property to revise or extend our lease," the Derby Street restaurant said. "It is not feasible to reopen without a lease revision/extension that recognizes the realities caused by the global health crisis."

Salem Beer Works opened in 1996 in the early years of the brew pub trend. When Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker ordered all restaurants to close their dining rooms in March, the brew pub furloughed its employees and donated the food and beer it could not store.

"We had many good years in Salem, brewed a lot of great craft beer and hopefully provided a local place for you to enjoy," the note said. "We wish everyone on the North Shore the very best. Please support your other local operators as they really need it right now."