Dark City Brewing Company, a craft brewery that opened its doors in 2016, recently made the difficult decision to close its operations. The former owners, Stephen and Michael Mary Bohacik, have attributed this closure to their strong commitment to family. As parents, they were striving to strike a balance between raising their daughter and managing the demands of running a successful business.
However, the challenges faced by Dark City Brewing escalated dramatically in 2020 with the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many other businesses, the brewery was forced to shut down completely in March as a result of government-imposed restrictions and safety concerns. This sudden closure had a significant impact on their operations and ultimately played a role in their decision to permanently close the brewery.
The closure of Dark City Brewing was undoubtedly a difficult and emotional decision for Stephen and Michael. As former owners, they poured their hearts and souls into building a thriving craft brewery that was beloved by the local community. It is important to acknowledge the dedication and hard work that they invested in their business over the years.
The impact of COVID-19 on the brewing industry as a whole cannot be overstated. Breweries across the country have faced unprecedented challenges, including reduced foot traffic, canceled events, and limitations on taproom capacity. These factors, combined with the uncertainty surrounding the duration of the pandemic, have forced many breweries to make tough decisions about their future.
In addition to the broader challenges faced by the industry, Stephen and Michael had to consider the specific circumstances of their own lives. Balancing the demands of parenthood with running a business is a challenge in itself, and the added stress and uncertainty brought by the pandemic likely made it even more difficult. As parents, their top priority was ensuring the well-being and happiness of their daughter, and this undoubtedly weighed heavily on their decision-making process.
Ultimately, the closure of Dark City Brewing Company serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on businesses, families, and communities. It is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of small business owners who have faced extraordinary challenges during these unprecedented times.
It is my hope that as we navigate through this global crisis, we can come together to support and uplift local businesses, including breweries, that have been deeply affected. By supporting these establishments, we can help preserve the unique flavors and experiences they bring to our communities.