Thimble Island Brewing Shutters Old Saybrook Location, Eyes New Opportunities

After less than a year in operation, Thimble Island Brewing Company has announced the upcoming closure of its satellite location in Old Saybrook.

“With heavy hearts we are sorry to announce that our Old Saybrook satellite location will be closing. Our last day will be Saturday, January 18th, 2025,” a statement released on the brewery’s Facebook page read. “We absolutely love the Old Saybrook community, but the building we are in has presented challenges that have impacted on our service quality. We’ll be on the hunt for new opportunities, but until then we hope you will come visit us in our flagship location in Branford. Many thanks to all of our loyal customers for your support throughout this journey!”

Located on Main Street in a space that previously housed Gargano Pasta & Italian Market, the Old Saybrook taproom opened in May 2024 with the aim of bringing Thimble Island’s craft beer offerings closer to a new shoreline audience. The space, which featured a full kitchen along with a variety of beers, wines, and seltzers, was a significant step for the brewery as it sought to expand its footprint beyond Branford.

At the time of the expansion, owner Justin Gargano acknowledged that the local craft beer scene was in a precarious place, but expressed hope that the expansion would help diversify the company.

He told the Hartford Business Journal, “The business has changed a bit, where there’s a lot of great craft beer in Connecticut. And there’s a lot of stuff that’s on the shelves. So, we’re trying to diversify ourselves to minimize risk.”

However, according to the company, ongoing challenges with the building ultimately made it difficult to maintain the service quality they wanted to deliver.

The decision to close the Old Saybrook location comes at a time when other Connecticut breweries are also facing significant pressures.

In recent months, well-known names like Aspetuck Brew Lab in Bridgeport, Paddle Creek in East Hartford, Great Falls Brewing in Canaan, and Hopmeadow Brewing in Avon have shut their doors.

While these closures highlight the broader struggles within the craft beer industry—including rising costs, shifting consumer preferences, and increased competition—Thimble Island remains optimistic about the future.

The company’s flagship location in Branford continues to thrive, serving up popular brews like the “Sunday Morning” blonde ale and “Poseidon’s Porter,” alongside a full menu of pizzas, burgers, and salads. The Branford taproom has become a local staple, attracting both loyal patrons and newcomers alike.

Thimble Island’s leadership has indicated that they are actively seeking new opportunities for growth and expansion.

While the closure of the Old Saybrook location is a setback, it also opens the door for new ventures that better align with their long-term goals.

With the Branford location still going strong, Thimble Island is committed to maintaining its reputation for quality and innovation in Connecticut’s craft beer scene.

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