Another popular beer and brewery brand files Chapter 11 bankruptcy

The craft beer industry has not recovered from the Covid pandemic.

Mar 7, 2025 - 15:43

Some have called it the beerpocalypse.

Before the Covid pandemic, craft brewing was a growing trend. Consumers wanted unique beers and would buy local brands to bring home and visited brewpubs.

You could argue that many communities simply became oversaturated with breweries and brewpubs. In many ways, it was like the self-serve frozen yogurt craze.

When a community got a self-serve frozen yogurt shop, it had lines out the door. Once a second opened, it cannibalized the audience of the first one, and when a third opened, there simply was not enough business to go around.

Breweries and brewpubs were always risky business, but for many the Covid pandemic was one hurdle too many. Some had to close their physical locations and many took on debt that they could not repay once they were allowed to reopen.

That has led to the beerpocalypse which has claimed huge names including San Francisco's Anchor Brewing. Slower sales due to changing trends and increased debt loads drove many regional favorites including Chicago’s Metropolitan Brewing, New Jersey’s Flying Fish, Denver’s Joyride Brewing, Tampa’s Zydeco Brew Werks, and Cleveland’s Terrestrial Brewing into bankruptcy.

Now, another regional favorite has joined the list of brewpub and brewery brands filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Brewpubs have always been a challenging business.
Image source: Shutterstock

Brewery worked to support its community

In many ways, Shubrew followed a classic growth arc, going from being a brewery and restaurant to becoming a regional beer brand.

"ShuBrew was opened in 2013 by Zachary and Erika Shumaker as a restaurant and brewery on Main Street in downtown Zelienople, PA. Their vision was to offer the community a selection of beers that they themselves love and food that would elevate the brewery experience," the company shared on its website.

ShuBrew has made serving and partnering with local vendors a key part of its mission.

"Our menu is executed in a from-scratch kitchen and brings cuisine influences from all over the world to our small town. We partner with local purveyors, suppliers, and farmers daily, enabling seasonal menu changes and food designed to pair perfectly with a pint," it posted.

In 2016, the brewery moved to Harmony, PA and began brewing its beer offsite. The brewpub sells its beer at restaurants,, liquor stores, and supermarkets, all across the greater Pittsburgh area.

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The company makes it clear, however, that supporting its local community remains at the core of its mission.

"Our business culture, strategy, policies, and overall practices aim to be as sustainable as possible. From giving our spent grains to local farmers to efficiently run, minimum waste kitchen operations, staff benefits, and contributions to the local community, we strive to work clean and with integrity," the company posted on its website.

ShuBrew files Chapter 11 bankruptcy

ShuBrew, LLC filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the Western District of Pennsylvania bankruptcy court on March 6. The company reported that it had $100,000 to $500,00 in assets and $500,000 to $1 million in liabilities.

Neither the company's website nor its Facebook page mention the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. Both also advertise future events and the company appears to be operating normally.

"The filing indicates 1-49 creditors, and no funds are expected to be available for distribution to unsecured creditors after administrative expenses. The petition was signed by Zachary Shumaker, the company's Managing Member, with legal representation from Brian C. Thompson of Thompson Law Group, P.C.," according to a post on X, the former Twitter, by RK Consultants.

As of March 7, the brewpub was still taking reservations and takeout orders on its website. It also lists a robust calendar of upcoming events including its weekly Friday Firsh Fry and a St. Patrick's Day party on March 15.

ShuBrew did not immediately return a request for comment.