BRANFORD, CT (WFSB) – Enthusiasts of beer in Branford gathered for what was their last meeting at Thimble Island Brewing Company.
Earlier this month, the company declared it would shut down operations this coming Saturday.
A lot of patrons mentioned feeling devastated upon hearing the announcement.
“For us, it was incredibly heartbreaking at minimum to learn that this place was shutting down,” stated Eddy Delahoz, who is from West Haven.
Joshua Gabriel, who hails from Branford, expressed, “This will be quite sorrowful as it has been a longstanding spot where we’ve visited for many years.”
Following about 15 years in operation, the proprietor opted to close down after much contemplation.
“Many amazing individuals here; that’s what I’ll miss the most,” stated Justin Gargano, who owns Thimble Island Brewing Co.
Gargano developed his passion for beer during the times he experimented with homemade brews.
He wished to spread that enthusiasm among others, thus he launched his own brewery.
“It’s truly disheartening. The essence of having an establishment like this lies heavily in fostering a sense of community. What I’ve always aimed for is recreating the warm ambiance of a traditional pub—very welcoming for families and inclusive for everyone,” Gargano mentioned additionally.
The familial ambiance was what drew siblings Eddy and Renzo to the brewery many years back.
“This is where we hold our therapy sessions and build deeper connections with one another every Friday,” explained Renzo Delahoz, who is from Salem, MA.
Gargano revealed the closure of the brewery just a few weeks prior. He mentioned that the choice stemmed from a recent health challenge following his diagnosis with a rare autoimmune disorder.
However, Gargano also mentioned that money was a factor. He said alcohol consumption is down, which impacts the beer world as a whole.
“The restaurant I own here is excellent. It has consistently been quite lucrative, but when attempting to balance the finances overall, it simply does not add up from an economic standpoint,” he explained.
In 2019, Gargano teamed up with a wholesaler aiming to boost income; however, it ended up having an adverse impact instead.
“We decided to make this change mainly to concentrate on producing higher-quality beer. Plus, with a facility spanning 30,000 square feet, most of your income typically comes from that space, making you quite reliant on it,” he clarified.
Gargano and his patrons both wish this isn’t a farewell, merely a ‘until we meet again’.
“Connecticut, we love you; I care about you, but things just sort of unfolded this way,” explained Gargano.
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