A Beloved Restaurant Closes its Doors for Good in Pittsburgh
BrewDog, the multinational brewery and pub chain based in Scotland, has closed over 100 of its locations in recent years, including four “underperforming bars” due to inflation and the current economic situation. Unfortunately, BrewDog’s Pittsburgh location has permanently closed its doors for good after just three years.
The Reason Behind the Closure
In a statement issued by the company, they cited financial hardships and operational impacts as the primary reason for the closure of a beloved bar. A BrewDog USA spokesperson expressed their difficulty with this decision, empathizing with other struggling businesses in the hospitality industry.
The Impact on Restaurant Industry Across the Country
BrewDog’s Pittsburgh closure is just one of the many restaurants affected by the declining restaurant industry across the US. Business Insider reported that there are roughly 72,000 fewer restaurants today than there were in 2019, attributing the decline to the pandemic’s impact, inflation, and cost-of-living crisis. Sit-down restaurants are continuing to struggle, with delivery and takeout options still a popular choice for diners.
Other Major Restaurant Closures
Aside from this, popular restaurant chains like Cracker Barrel, Burger King, and IHOP are also shutting down locations due to financial difficulties. Cracker Barrel closed three of its locations in Oregon, while Burger King closed 26 stores, affecting around 400 employees. The IHOP in Poughkeepsie, New York, also closed its doors in April.
The Future of the Industry
To say that the restaurant industry has been hit hard by the pandemic and inflation is an understatement. For these businesses to survive, they must be creative and adapt to the current situation. For BrewDog and other affected restaurants, the hope is that they can recover from this setback and thrive once again in the future.