Historical Columbus brewery announces closure

A longtime Columbus brewing company is closing its brewery and is hoping to rehome the brand.

Hoster Brewing Company announced on September 23 that its brewery, located at 653 N. James Rd., will cease operations after October 31 and will continue to distribute its wholesale kegged beer through the end of the year or until supplies last.

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The decision did not come easy according to the statement posted to Hoster’s social media. Hoster’s closing follows the hospitality industry’s incredibly challenging climate, including rising ingredient, material, and energy costs. The brewery was also facing an upcoming mult-year lease renewal with an increase in rent, and in the end Hoster would not be able to operate sustainably.

“We have been honored stewards of the Hoster legacy, which began in the Columbus Brewery District in 1836. We hope we have done well to honor the traditions of this brand through genuine hospitality and brewing beer in the spirit of the original Hoster recipes such as Gold Top™ Lager, our award-winning flagship beer,” owner Dan Meyers said in the statement.

Hoster began brewing beer in Columbus in 1836, but it shut down in 1920 after the start of Prohibition. The company name was revived in the ‘90s by a German Village pub, which closed in 2001. Meyers then bought the rights to the Hoster name in 2004, leading to the signature Gold Top beer and the James Road Brewery.

This is hopefully not the end of Hoster Brewing Company. According to the statement, the company is seeking alternative opportunities for breweries to house its brands and keep the Hoster legacy alive.

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