USA, NJ: Brix City Brewing shutting down its Little Ferry location

Bergen County’s first-ever brewery, Brix City Brewing, will close its Little Ferry location on May 29, marking the end of a run that lasted over a decade. However, it is not the end of Brix City, northjersey.com reported on May 27.

The owners, longtime friends and Hasbrouck Heights natives Joe Delcalzo and Pete Reuther, started the business because of their love for beer and passion for brewing. They decided to chase their dreams — from brewing in their backyards to opening a business that welcomes everyone to mingle and enjoy their unique blends of IPAs, Belgians, sours, lagers, seasonals and stouts.

They could not be reached for comment about the reason for the closing.

The duo are still looking for a new location. They announced on their social media accounts that they have not secured a new taproom yet but are actively searching to find the right space.

“We’re incredibly grateful for your continued support through this time of transition," the Brix City Brewing owners posted. "While this is the end of one chapter, it’s just the beginning of the next — and we can’t wait to share what comes next with all of you.”

Brix City was a pioneer in the microbrewing industry in North Jersey, opening the doors for other local spots such as Hackensack Brewery and the now-closed Alementary.

The journey was not always smooth before the owners opened Brix City in 2014. Plans to open locations in Lodi and Hackensack fell through, but they found a home on Alsan Way in Little Ferry, creating one of the most popular breweries in North Jersey. A few years after opening, Brix City had new equipment that allowed for enhanced production within its brewing system.

The closing comes at a time of much uncertainty for New Jersey breweries. The industry saw 171 breweries close in 2024, and more may shut their doors in 2025. Some owners cite New Jersey’s strict liquor laws, despite recent revisions, as one of the reasons breweries struggle in the state. One law that shops say is outdated is the limit of one license per 3,000 residents, which officials have said reflects Prohibition-era thinking.

Brix City will not be releasing new beers over its last few days in Little Ferry, the brewery announced on Instagram and Facebook. All pours and to-go options will be based on current inventory. Some of its famous beer may sell out, but the owners said they have plenty of options to last until their closure on May 29.

Many local breweries hope to see their neighboring businesses succeed. Bob Olsen, owner of Bolero Snort, a brewery in Carlstadt, said members of the New Jersey brewing community root for one another to succeed.

“We’re a very tight-knit group. We don’t have beer without relying on our friends. We’re very close to them. Having [brewers] come before us, so people have seen breweries before, makes it easier,” Olsen told NorthJersey.com in 2019.

28 May, 2025