Rogue Ales Closes Newport Operations, Owes Substantial Rent and Taxes

Rogue Ales & Spirits has ceased its operations in Newport, impacting its restaurants and brewery. The decision, effective immediately, was communicated to employees without prior notice. The company owes significant sums in overdue rent and taxes, contributing to this drastic move.

Financial Difficulties Behind Closure

Rogue Ales is reportedly $545,000 behind in rent to the Port of Newport. Additionally, the company has outstanding taxes, estimating around $30,000 owed to Lincoln County. This financial strain has forced the brewery to shut its Newport operations, which encompassed a 47,000-square-foot facility.

Background on Rogue Ales

Founded in 1988 in Ashland, Rogue Ales relocated to Newport a year later. For over 30 years, it has maintained a prominent position in Oregon’s brewing industry, recognized as one of the top craft beer producers in the state. However, the business has faced declining beer sales, paralleling broader trends affecting the craft beer market, which saw a 4% sales drop in 2024.

• Rogue’s Newport location overlooks Yaquina Bay and operates a brewery, warehouse, and restaurant.
• The brewery had, at one point, been one of the top 10 craft beer companies in Oregon.
• About 60 employees are affected by the closure.

Impact of COVID-19 and Market Conditions

In recent years, the brewery has struggled with economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. In September 2020, Rogue closed one of its locations, the Pearl Public House, in Northwest Portland. Although Rogue Ales witnessed a less severe sales decline than some competitors — an 18% decrease in 2024 — the challenges within the market are evident.

Data from the Brewers Association shows that several of Oregon’s largest craft breweries encountered revenue declines. Experts attribute these challenges to inflation, labor shortages, and overall decrease in consumption.

Future of the Newport Site

With the brewery closed, the Port of Newport is seeking new tenants for Rogue’s distillery building. An agreement was made to lease part of the 4,800-square-foot facility to West Coast Seafood, which aims to process and store seafood, including crab and fish, during peak seasons.

As Rogues transitions away from its distillery operations, the future of its Newport site remains uncertain. The company has rejected multiple offers for acquisition over the past two decades, indicating a reluctance to sell despite significant financial struggles.

The recent closures reflect a challenging climate for breweries nationwide. As the industry adapts to changing consumer preferences and economic conditions, Rogue Ales’ fate serves as a cautionary tale for businesses navigating this evolving marketplace.