Popular Northern Minnesota Brewery To Permanently Shut Down This Winter

This is very sad news for beer lovers in the Northland.

Duluth's Hoops Brewing has announced it will be permanently shutting down its taproom and brewing operations this winter.

The brewery is the creation of well-known Northland master brewer Dave Hoops, who is a notable name in the craft brewing industry across the country and beyond.

Dave is among the people credited with the craft brewing boom the Twin Ports area saw over the last nearly 30 years, moving to Duluth after working at a California brewery and taking on the role of brewmaster at Fitger's Brewhouse in the early 2000's.

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After nearly 20 years at Fitger's, Hoops departed to start his own brewing venture, Hoops Brewing. After launching the brand, he set out to convert the old Timberlodge Steakhouse location in Canal Park into a 9,000-square-foot beer hall and brewing facility that could hold up to 250 people.

After remodeling the space into a rustic, inviting beer hall, the space opened in June of 2017, serving up a huge variety of hand-crafted beers.

He and his team developed a popular rotation of brews that included their take on classics, along with a selection of innovative creations that helped develop the unique Hoops signature lineup many have enjoyed over the years.

In a heartfelt social media video from Hoops Brewing posted today (January 22), Dave shared a message, noting that "with a heavy heart, I want to tell you that Hoops Brewing will be closing".

Hoops continued by highlighting how the business has been about more than beer, highlighting how it's been about community, friends, and family, and sharing gratitude to everyone who made it what it was.

In particular, Dave thanked his late wife, Laura, and the business's general Manager, Jen, who he says played key roles in making the business what it is today, along with the brewers and staff that created what he called "some of the best beer in the state" and a great customer experience for patrons.

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Looking back, Hoops says while "It's not that easy to say goodbye", he looks back at the last 10 years and calls it "remarkable", with deep gratitude for everyone who visited the brewery and supported the business over the years.

He concluded his message by inviting everyone to stop by to enjoy a beer and some memories in the final weeks before they close. Hoops says their final pour will be on Monday, February 23, 2026.

As someone who has been to Hoops a number of times to enjoy a beer, game of cribbage, or the occasional on-location radio broadcast, I have some great personal memories at Hoops Brewing. It's incredibly sad to see them closing up shop, and I wish nothing but the best to Dave, an incredibly talented brewer and kind individual.