UPDATE: Stone Bridge Brewing Company, a craft brewery and restaurant chain based in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as of July 15, 2025. The company, which operates multiple dining venues including The Craft Kitchen and The Wine Loft, is facing serious financial challenges in a struggling market.
This urgent filing comes amid rising operational costs and increasing competition in the craft beverage industry. Stone Bridge Brewing reported assets between $100,001 and $500,000, while liabilities range from $1,000,001 to $10,000,000. The company has indicated it has between 1-49 creditors, with major debts owed to Bridgeway Capital ($548,000), Douglas F. Damico ($403,865), and CFS CAP, LLC dba CashFund ($330,120).
“We are committed to exploring options under Chapter 11 and hope to restructure our debts,” said Jeremy Shearer, a co-owner of the brewery alongside his wife, Jennifer Shearer. The couple has a longstanding history in the restaurant business, having transitioned from hobbyists to running a full-fledged dining and brewing operation.
Stone Bridge Brewing had initially gained popularity for its diverse beer lineup, which includes favorites like Cheap Ass Beer, Hazy River New England IPA, and Left Coast Love West Coast IPA. The brewery has produced several thousand gallons of beer yearly, aiming to create a unique dining experience that paired craft beers with farm-to-table cuisine.
The filing reflects a broader trend affecting the food and beverage industry, particularly breweries, which have struggled to maintain profitability in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. With consumer spending habits shifting and operational costs surging, many establishments are finding it increasingly difficult to stay afloat.
As Stone Bridge Brewing navigates its financial restructuring, the immediate future of its operations remains uncertain. The company continues to serve customers, but the potential for drastic changes looms. Stakeholders and patrons alike are watching closely, as the brewery’s fate could serve as a bellwether for similar establishments across the country.
What happens next for Stone Bridge Brewing is critical to watch. Will they successfully emerge from bankruptcy with a viable plan, or will they follow the growing list of breweries that have shut down recently?
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as we continue to track the impact of this bankruptcy filing on the local community and the craft beer landscape.
