Local
Madison’s Delta Beer Lab plans final week, citing rising costs
The East Badger Road brewery will end regular operations Oct. 25, then open for limited hours the following week to sell its remaining inventory. Owner Tim Piotrowski said higher costs and weaker consumer spending left the business without the resources to continue.
Delta Beer Lab, a Madison-area brewery known for hosting LGBTQ+ community events and fundraisers for local nonprofits, plans to close after nearly eight years in business.
The brewery announced the decision Tuesday, Oct. 20. Its regular operations at 167 E. Badger Road will end Sunday, Oct. 25, followed by limited hours the next week as it sells its remaining inventory. The brewery said it will post details about those hours on social media.
Owner Tim “Pio” Piotrowski said the business struggled with the lasting economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, including higher ingredient, supply and freight costs. Inflation and reduced consumer spending, along with rising operating and labor expenses, added to the pressure, he said.
“We fought as hard as we could, but we have ultimately run out of resources,” Piotrowski said.
The brewery plans several events during its final week, including drag queen bingo, trivia and a makers market. Its last beer, Supernova West-Coast IPA, is intended as a tribute to the brewery’s run.