Lake Monster Brewing is closing its St. Paul taproom after service on Sunday, October 15, 2023, according to an announcement from the company. New owners are slated to take over the space at 550 Vandalia Street in the Midway neighborhood, though specific details regarding the incoming concept have not yet been finalized by the departing owners.
Taproom Closure and Transition Timeline
The St. Paul-based brewery shared the closure news with patrons via social media and email newsletters, confirming that the taproom’s final day of operation will cap off a weekend of farewell events. According to statements released by Lake Monster Brewing, the business decided to wind down its taproom operations following shifts in the local craft beverage market and business models. The brewery’s distribution footprint and retail sales are subject to ongoing restructuring as the physical taproom space changes hands.
According to local business reports from outlets like the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal, the Vandalia Street location has served as a fixture in the Merriam Park and Midway areas since the brewery initially launched its production and taproom facility. The transition involves a handover of the lease and brewing equipment to incoming operators, who plan to unveil their own branding and venue format once the transaction closes.
History of Lake Monster Brewing in St. Paul
Founded by Matt Titcomb and Dave Hoops, Lake Monster Brewing established its permanent home on Vandalia Street in 2016, breathing new life into an industrial warehouse space near the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. The brewery built a loyal local following by focusing on approachable core beers, experimental small-batch releases, and a spacious dog-friendly patio that drew crowds throughout the warmer months.
Over its seven years of taproom operations, the venue hosted food trucks, community fundraisers, and live music, functioning as an anchor for the expanding craft beverage corridor along Vandalia Street and diagnostic of the broader evolution in Twin Cities manufacturing spaces. While the physical taproom is closing, the brand’s trajectory mirrors broader economic pressures facing mid-sized regional taprooms across the Upper Midwest.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Lake Monster Brewing’s taproom officially closing?
The taproom closes permanently after service on Sunday, October 15, 2023.
Who is taking over the space at 550 Vandalia Street?
New owners are taking over the lease and physical space, though public announcements regarding the specific identity of the new operators and their concept are pending final agreements.
Will Lake Monster beers still be available in stores?
Management has indicated that the focus of the closure centers on the taproom venue itself, while retail and distribution strategies are being adjusted as the transition progresses.
Keep reading