What’s Brewing? KC’s Craft Beer Scene Faces a Shift in 2025
Kansas City’s once-booming craft beer scene is experiencing an unusual period, with more breweries closing their doors in 2025 than opening new ones. This trend, a first in two decades for the U.S. industry, has local operators pondering a challenging market and adapting to evolving consumer preferences.
KC’s Craft Beer Landscape Shifts
Locals have noticed a significant change, with several beloved establishments calling it quits. Double Shift Brewing Co. in the Crossroads, a staple for a decade, closed its doors in March, leaving a void in Brewer’s Alley. But they weren’t alone in facing tough times.
Recent Closures Impacting Our Community
Across the metro, other breweries have also ceased operations this year, including Pathlight in Shawnee, Crane in Raytown, Boho in Parkville, The Big Rip in North Kansas City, and Dubious Claims in Excelsior Springs. Even Grains & Taps has shuttered its downtown Lee’s Summit tasting room, though its Blue Parkway location remains open. These closures, while not catastrophic in number, signal a tightening market that has many brewers feeling the pinch.
National Trends Mirror Local Challenges
According to Matt Gacioch, staff economist at the Brewers Association, 2025 marked the first time in 20 years that more breweries closed than opened nationally. This isn’t just a KC phenomenon; brewery openings are down 1% across the board, a stark contrast to the exponential growth seen in the 2010s. Compounding this, national beer sales saw a 0.5% dip in the first half of 2025, a sentiment echoed by KC Bier Co. owner Steve Holle, who reported lower distribution sales locally.
Adapting to New Consumer Demands
While distribution sales may be down, Holle notes that his taproom sales are up, indicating a crucial shift in what consumers are looking for. It seems simply offering great beer isn’t always enough anymore.
The Rise of Experiential Drinking
Today’s beer drinkers are seeking more than just a pint; they want an experience. KC Bier Co.’s new 15,000-square-foot location in Lenexa, slated to open before the 2026 World Cup, exemplifies this trend. It will feature live music, outdoor games, a dog park, and an expanded German-American food menu. This focus on entertainment and amenities is becoming a necessity for survival.
Sherry Wohlgemuth of the Missouri Craft Brewers Guild confirms this, noting that successful taprooms increasingly offer trivia nights, paint-and-sip events, or other low-cost attractions. Nationally, breweries are adding pickleball courts, mini-golf, and comedy shows to draw crowds. Mike McVey, owner of Transport Brewery, observed that adding a pizza kitchen significantly boosted sales at his Gardner location, stating, “Breweries without food are becoming fewer and further between.”
Beyond Beer: Non-Alcoholic and THC Options
Another significant factor is the changing drinking habits of younger generations. A recent Gallup poll revealed that only 50% of young adults drink, a record low since 1939. More than half of all adults now believe moderate drinking is unhealthy. In response, local breweries are diversifying their offerings.
KC Bier Co. now provides “Hopwater,” a non-alcoholic sparkling seltzer. Boulevard Brewing Co., a major local player, recently introduced a THC-infused, zero-proof Quirk seltzer. This move taps into a rapidly growing market, with THC beverage sales in the U.S. projected to reach nearly $5.6 billion by 2035. About a quarter of breweries nationwide now offer “beyond beer” products like craft sodas, non-alcoholic beers, and THC-based options.
Understanding Market Correction
While the trends may seem concerning, many industry veterans view it as a natural market correction. Keith Thompson, owner of Brewery Emperial, who has witnessed the industry evolve since 1994, recalls the explosion of KC brewery openings in 2015-2016. He believes the market may have simply “exceeded its saturation point.”
Economist Matt Gacioch agrees, suggesting that a mature industry cannot sustain exponential growth indefinitely. This period of contraction could simply be the market finding its equilibrium.
| Previous Brewery Focus | Current Adaptations for Success |
|---|---|
| Primarily craft beer production | Diverse beverage menus (NA, THC, craft sodas) |
| Limited or no food offerings | Full-service kitchens, expanded food options |
| Taproom as sole attraction | Experiential elements (games, live music, events) |
| Standalone locations | Larger venues, outdoor spaces, family-friendly areas |
Frequently Asked Questions About KC Breweries
- Why are some Kansas City breweries closing?
Closures are attributed to a national trend of more breweries closing than opening, a dip in overall beer sales, and a shift in consumer preferences towards experiential venues and non-alcoholic options, indicating a possible market saturation. - What are successful KC breweries doing differently?
They are adapting by offering more than just beer. This includes providing expansive food menus, hosting events like trivia nights, incorporating entertainment such as live music or games (e.g., pickleball), and introducing non-alcoholic or THC-infused beverages. - Is this trend unique to Kansas City?
No, the article indicates that this is a national trend, with overall brewery openings down across the U.S. and beer sales declining. Kansas City is mirroring broader industry shifts. - How are changing drinking habits impacting breweries?
Younger generations (Gen Z) are drinking less alcohol, and there’s a growing perception that even moderate drinking is unhealthy. This has pushed breweries to diversify into non-alcoholic “beyond beer” products like craft seltzers and THC beverages to cater to a wider audience.
For local craft beer enthusiasts, the message is clear: support your favorite breweries through their taprooms and engage with their offerings. Your patronage and feedback are vital to ensure these beloved community spots thrive for years to come.
More KC Breweries Close Than Open First In Two Decades
