"It’s not the ending we had hoped for, but life has thrown a bit too much our way to stay open another month," the announcement says. "While this chapter ends here, we are incredibly grateful for nearly 7 years of memories, laughter, and friendships in the park. To everyone that has ever walked through our doors — at both locations and to those who supported us in any other way — Thank you!!! We appreciate all of you."
Justin Egbert and Paul Power started the company in 2018, after a love of beer brought the California and Idaho expats together. They started homebrewing and then launched Transplant City Brewing Company, which later became known as T.C.B.C. Beer, in a tiny space on Honeysuckle Street in Litchfield Park.
Over the years, the company expanded and outgrew the small space. Then, the CrossFit gym next door moved out. The duo secured the space and began an extensive remodel in 2020.
They welcomed customers into the new brewery in August 2021. The space featured exposed beams and concrete, cozied up by bright paintings of famous musicians. Food trucks often parked outside, near the large patio.
But according to a post the company made in June, the owners knew the space was possibly not their forever home.
"The time we had hoped wouldn’t come has arrived — our lease will not be renewed at our current location. While we knew this was a possibility, we truly wished for a different outcome," the post reads, in part. It went on to thank customers and note that there are no hard feelings toward the landlord or city.
"We are thankful to have had the opportunity to operate as a small business in this community, and we appreciate their support over the years," the owners shared.
Requests for comment from T.C.B.C. were not immediately returned.
T.C.B.C. is the fourth brewery to shutter its taprooms or entire operations this year. Mexican brewery Buqui Bichi Brewing closed its remaining bar in Phoenix in May, and Mesa’s Beer Research Institute called it quits in March after a decade in business.
Others got out of running taprooms to focus on producing beer, including Walter Station Brewery and Huss Brewing Co. Craft brewers are facing more headwinds than ever.
After nearly two decades of sustained growth, the Brewers Association reported that in 2024, more breweries closed (399) than opened (335) around the country. Arizona bucked that trend, with 11 new spots opening and six closing, but these were largely in rural parts of the state. Earlier this year, brewery owners shared the challenges they face, including navigating changing drinking habits and rising costs.
T.C.B.C. was known for its unique and creative brews, such as a honeydew, cucumber and key lime session IPA and a stout made with Oreos.
Fans of those beers may be in luck, however. While no solid plans have yet been released, the owners teased that this closure might not be the end for their brewery.
"Though this door is closing, we believe something new is just around the corner," the July post says. "We’ll see you again soon. Cheers!"
Sara Crocker contributed to this article.
