Lo Rez Brewing, which opened in the Pilsen neighborhood in 2016, announced its closing Wednesday, with the co-founder calling it a “pandemic casualty.”
On social media, co-founder Dave Dahl said the taproom and distribution revenue never recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic, which shuttered restaurants, bars and breweries across the country.
“Our income is down, our expenses are up, we’re too far out of whack. Lo Rez is no longer financially viable,” Dahl said on Instagram.
Dahl said they’ll miss their regulars, locals and the random people that have become friends. He thanked the Lo Rez team, which he called some of the best in the business, and the community they’ve built over the years.
He can’t thank everyone because he’ll forget someone, Dahl said.
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The brewery opened in 2016 at 2101 S. Carpenter St., with a warehouselike interior lined with brick walls and string lights. It quickly garnered a reputation for its community involvement, partnering with local nonprofits such as El Paseo Community Garden and Venados Run Club.
For several years, it hosted street festivals that featured live music, art and craft vendors, and an assortment of food trucks. It became a fan favorite for neighbors and Chicago beer enthusiasts alike, getting a nod as a finalist for the Chicago Tribune’s Readers’ Choice Food Awards in 2022 for Best Under-the-Radar Brewery.
Lo Rez also celebrated a different Chicago artist every month through their “REZIDENT” initiative, a partnership with the Pilsen Arts & Community House. Artists presented their work while also supporting grassroots fundraising, according to the brewery’s website.
Lo Rez’s last day of business will be Sept. 3 — but not without a celebration. Expect lots of closing events, the online statement said.
“Roll through for some final Lo Rez classic beers, some fancy beers that will be popping up, and catch up with family and friends,” Dahl said.
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