Kalona Brewing Co. to close

KALONA — A popular restaurant, brewery and staple of downtown Kalona announced last week that it would shut its doors after its final day of business Oct. 31.

On Facebook, Kalona Brewing Company thanked community members for years of support, but said it was unable to stabilize from financial trouble that started in 2020.

“Unfortunately, we have been unable to recover financially from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said a Facebook post on the business’ social media page. “We are currently exploring other business opportunities including the possibility of KBC reopening with new partners and remain hopeful to find a better fit in the future.”

The establishment — previously home to a farm implement store — was both a burger-plating restaurant and a busy microbrewery serving its creations fresh from the tap, or in cans shipped around the state. The drinks represented their humble origins, with names like “Kalona Classic” and “Bulltown Brown,” a reference to the town’s nickname. Other beers like the “Lewbricator,” or “You Be You“ were homages to beloved community members.

KBC’s role in the community went far beyond serving food and drinks. Head Brewer Warren “W” Yoder told local weekly paper The News in 2022 the establishment strove to be “the living room of Kalona,” complete with couches, TV screens and plenty of places to chat.

The business was a supporter of the Washington Economic Development Group, and once even hosted a portion of the Washington Greater Business Partnership Dinner. It formed a fundraising partnership with PAWS & More Animal Shelter last year, and offered exclusive thematic beers at the last several Riverside Trek Fests.

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It was a place to see musical acts like Dave Zollo, alongside more mundane gatherings like birthdays, dates, football games projected on its eastern wall, and the Washington Class of 1960 reunion. The brewery provided food, water and beer to bikers cruising through town on RAGBRAI in 2018, and it collaborated with Jefferson County Ciderworks in 2019 to submit an entry for Des Moines Beer Week.

“They were active sponsors, volunteers, contributors in so many ways,” Kalona Chamber of Commerce Director Tonia Poole said. “It’s going to be a hard loss, not having them join in with us. Plus, they provided a great service and food option in town, so yeah, we’re definitely going to miss them.”

Trouble at the brewery during the pandemic was well documented. A new general manager famously began working there two weeks after the governor ordered all restaurants in the state to close their dining rooms amid public health concerns in March of 2020.

“A new GM can take time under normal circumstances to acclimate and learn how things are done,” General Manager Jeremy Hassman told The Union in 2021. “This presented a unique challenge for everyone at KBC.”

Owners said on Facebook they’d cut the price of everything in the house in KBC’s last few days of business.

“In the coming weeks, we invite you to visit us for one last round, share memories, and celebrate the community we've built together,” they said in one post. “We will continue to offer our beers until we close, and we’d love to see as many of you as possible before we say goodbye.

“Thank you for being part of our journey. Your support has meant the world to us, and it is something we will always cherish.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com