Bergen County Brewery, The Alementary, to Close Despite Relaxed State Laws
Hackensack, NJ – The Alementary, a well-regarded craft brewery in Bergen County, has announced plans to cease operations after eight years of business. This closure comes as a surprise, especially following recent legislative changes in New Jersey designed to create a more favorable environment for breweries.
In a statement released on Monday via Facebook, the owners of The Alementary cited a combination of factors leading to their decision. Key among these was the collapse of a significant contract business deal. “We had an agreement with a buyer for our contract business and that deal fell through,” they explained. This setback, coupled with ongoing challenges in distribution and broader regional downturns in the craft brewing industry, has led to what they describe as an “irreconcilable situation.”
The Alementary’s closure is particularly notable given the recent amendments in state laws that were expected to bolster local breweries. These legislative changes relaxed some of the stringent restrictions governing brewery operations, a move that was anticipated to provide a much-needed boost to the industry.
Despite these more favorable conditions, The Alementary has struggled to navigate the evolving landscape of the craft beer market. The owners reflected on their journey, noting that their “biggest error was one of timing, and trusting,” hinting at the complexities and uncertainties inherent in the business and with state government uncertainties in the industry.