3 Gatos announces closure of west Michigan brewery

WYOMING, Mich. (FOX 2) - After nearly four years of slinging beers and Brazilian food in Wyoming, 3 Gatos Brewery is closing.

The brewery south of Grand Rapids shared that Feb. 8 would be the last day.

3 Gatos opened in 2021, and became a spot for eating, drinking, and watching sports - particularly soccer.

Owner Linus De Paoli cited financial struggles and a slowdown in business as the reason for the closure. According to De Paoli, 3 Gatos began experiencing financial hardships after he separated from his wife, who he opened the brewery with.

"In the beginning, I had a lot of help and support from Renata but after the separation running the business on my own became too much," De Paoli wrote on Facebook. "I even tried my best to find other partners to come in and help after the separation but failed twice."

In October, De Paoli crowdfunded donations to help 3 Gatos stay afloat. It helped, he said, but it wasn't enough.

"November and December brought reality back and very slow business and difficulties in paying our bills again," he wrote.

De Paoli said that led to him making the difficult decision to step back from running a brewery and focus on himself. 

"It's been an incredible journey with all of you during these 3 and half years. We've laughed, celebrated, and made memories that I'll cherish forever," he wrote. "You all have become like family to me, and I can't thank you enough for your support and love over the years."

Find 3 Gatos at 1760 44th Street SW, Suite 8 in Wyoming until Feb. 8. 

The brewery is one of several that have recently decided to close up shop around the state. Also in west Michigan, Waypost Brewing Co. in Fennville and Brite Eyes Brewing Co. in Kalamazoo both closed late last year.

In Metro Detroit, Brew Detroit announced that its taproom would soon close as the focus shifts to production. Meanwhile, Arctic Circle Brewing Co. ceased operations in December. 

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