A wave of closures is hitting the Moore County craft beer scene as three prominent locations announced they will shutter operations by the end of December: Southern Pines Brewing Company, Hatchet Brewing Company, and the Buggy Factory. This comes on the heels of Southern Pines Brewing’s Air Tool Drive location closing a few weeks ago.
Hatchet Brewing Company, a fixture in the community for six years, will close its doors following its final day of service on Sunday, Dec. 28. In a statement posted to social media, the brewery attributed the decision to a “series of challenges,” including declining distribution, production setbacks, and a drop in retail sales during “the recent government shutdown.”
Management also pointed to broader economic factors impacting the industry nationwide…