Editor’s Note: The below news items were initially reported in the Insider version of the Brewbound Newsletter between September 8-10. Become an Insider today to get earlier access to what’s going on in the industry.
Crane Brewing Closes After 11 Years
Crane Brewing (Raytown, Missouri), has closed after 11 years. In its early days, the brewery built its name on the homebrew and beer fest circuit with namesake Michael Crane’s sour ales and magenta-hued beet beer.
Crane went pro in 2016, opening a taproom and brewery focused on sours, saisons and farmhouse ales. Crane and business partner Christopher Meyers sold a controlling interest in the business in 2023 to an investor group. A couple of weeks ago, the taproom and brewery closed, The Kansas City Star reported.
The brewery’s lease was due to expire at the end of the year, and the owners couldn’t come to an agreement with the landlord, according to Fox 4. The building housing the brewery is owned by Michael Crane.
Four other Kansas City area breweries have shuttered this year, including Pathlight, Double Shift, Big Rip Brewing and Grains and Taps.
Big Grove to Open Kansas Taproom in 2026
Iowa’s Big Grove Brewery revealed plans for a brewery and taproom in Prairie Village, Kansas, a Kansas City suburb, expected to open in spring 2026.
The brewery will take over a former Macy’s department store space that had been vacant for more than a decade in the Shops at Prairie Village. Construction has started on the space. Big Grove began distribution in the market earlier this year.
Big Grove’s next location will open this month in a former steel mill in Omaha.
Numerator: Consumer Confidence Dropped in August
Consumers’ confidence in their spending comfort levels, household finances and the job market slipped last month, according to insights firm Numerator. The month’s score was 55.4, down 0.3 points month-over-month (MoM) and 0.5 points year-over-year (YoY).
Less than half (41%) of consumers report feeling “very or somewhat comfortable spending money on discretionary purchases right now,” while 33% reported spending less overall (down 1.2 points YoY). Those with money to spare are saving it (35%) and paying off debt (33%).
Consumers are continuing to shop sales (40%), using coupons and discount codes (39%) and making meals at home (39%).