California’s beer industry is facing another round of painful cuts, with two well-known breweries announcing closures and layoffs in recent weeks as craft brewers battle slowing demand, higher costs, and intense competition.
The latest moves affect workers in Los Angeles and Berkeley, adding to signs that even recognizable brands are not immune to the pressure facing the state’s once-booming craft beer market.
Angel City Brewery to close April 30
In Los Angeles, Angel City Brewery is shutting down permanently on April 30, 2026, ending nearly three decades of operations. California WARN data and recent reports indicate 66 workers were affected. Parent company Alchemy & Science, a subsidiary of Boston Beer Company, said it is winding down the operation to focus on core national brands.
Located in the Arts District, Angel City had become a popular gathering place known for events, taproom traffic, and local branding. Its closure marks another high-profile loss in Southern California’s craft beer scene.
Trumer Brewery layoffs set for May 29
In the Bay Area, Trumer Brewery in Berkeley is laying off 33 employees, with permanent layoffs scheduled for May 29, 2026…