Sequoia Brewing is closing all three of its locations in Fresno and Visalia.
The brewery announced on Facebook that the locations will close on Sunday.
The big picture: Sequoia Brewing’s two Fresno spots are located in the Tower District and in north Fresno at Champlain Dr. and Perrin Ave.
- The Visalia location is in downtown on Main St. and Locust St.
- Sequoia Brewing was behind on rent at its two Fresno locations, with court documents revealing an eviction notice for the north Fresno location.
What they’re saying: Bartender Eric Buterbaugh announced the closure in Facebook, saying his 27-years run with the brewery is ending.
- “The amount of caring love, outrageous times, and legendary times could not be comprehended,” Buterbaugh posted. “Because it is immeasurable. Thank you all for letting me ride the best wave ever for all these decades. Cheers to you all! Cheers forever my friends!”
- Buterbaugh also blamed the closure on owner Jeremy Smith, saying Smith “horrifically mismanaged his life and a very solid thriving business” since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lawsuits and divorce emerge: The brewery faces a September 2024 age discrimination lawsuit from a former employee, which alleged that Jeremy Smith “frequently got drunk at work” and berated the employee over his age, per a report from The Business Journal.
- Separately, Smith’s wife and co-owner in the brewery, Allison, filed a divorce petition the same month.
