Orlando’s Broken Strings Brewery sadly announced its closure on January 6th, 2025, marking the end of its ten-year tenure in the city’s craft beer community. For locals and craft beer enthusiasts, this loss is deeply felt, as the brewery was not just a place to grab a pint—it was a hub for brewing expertise, friendships, and unforgettable moments.
Orlando’s Craft Beer Scene Loses a Gem
Located in Parramore, Broken Strings Brewery became synonymous with creativity, community, and the passion for finely crafted beers. Known for its frequent collaborations and inventive flavors, Broken Strings left a lasting impression on both seasoned beer lovers and newcomers alike.
The news of the closure hit social media on a somber note. Owner Charles Frizzell expressed heartfelt gratitude to patrons in a Facebook post: “This dream started over 10 years ago and has given us countless memories and friendships that we will cherish forever. We can’t begin to thank everyone enough for their support; we wouldn’t have made it this far without you!”
At its peak, the brewery was a haven for craft beer enthusiasts and Orlando soccer fans, offering a unique meeting spot with its proximity to Exploria Stadium. However, as Frizzell noted, mounting challenges made their operations unsustainable.
The Perfect Storm of Challenges
Broken Strings Brewery faced many obstacles that ultimately led to its closure. Among them were:
Changes in Downtown Orlando: The once-thriving downtown area has seen a significant decline in foot traffic, turning it, as Frizzell described, into a “ghost town.” This change directly impacted businesses that relied heavily on community engagement and loyal walk-ins.
Decline in Craft Beer Enthusiasts: While craft beer once ignited a booming trend, recent years have seen a decrease in consumer interest, affecting breweries across the country.
Rising Costs: The cost of doing business, including raw materials, utilities, and overall operational expenses, continued to climb, squeezing small breweries like Broken Strings.
Despite these hurdles, the brewery fought valiantly to stay open, including launching a successful GoFundMe campaign that allowed it to make necessary repairs and cover operating costs for an additional season. But, as Frizzell poignantly put it, “We have finally run out of good luck and miracles, so it’s time to hopefully move on to bigger and better things!”
A Farewell Barrel Party You Can’t-Miss
While the closure is bittersweet, the Broken Strings family is determined to go out on a high note. They’ve announced a final farewell party at their taproom on Saturday, January 18th. The event promises free beer “until the kegs are empty”—a fitting way to celebrate a space that brought so much joy to the community.
At the moment, more details about the celebration are forthcoming, but it’s expected to be a spirited gathering of friends, family, and fans reflecting on the brewery’s legacy. If you’ve enjoyed a beer at Broken Strings—or if you’ve yet to experience their craft offerings—this is the perfect opportunity to relive the magic one last time.
A Moment of Reflection and Gratitude
For over a decade, Broken Strings Brewery has stood as a symbol of innovation and camaraderie in Orlando. Reflecting on their legacy, the Facebook post encapsulated the emotional weight of their decision, stating, “We want to give everyone one last chance to have a pint in the taproom before we move out.”
From hosting Orlando City fans celebrating wins to creating unique beers that pushed the boundaries of flavor, the brewery made countless contributions to the craft beer scene. It leaves behind not only an indelible mark on the city but also memories that thousands of Orlando locals will cherish.
What Happens Next?
While Broken Strings Brewery is closing its doors, Frizzell and his team have hinted at the possibility of “bigger and better things.” There’s no word yet on what the future holds, but fans can take solace in knowing that the passion and creativity behind the brewery won’t simply disappear.
The closure also leaves room to reflect on the challenges facing the craft beer industry and downtown Orlando businesses. Supporting local breweries, attending community events, and advocating for small businesses remain essential to keeping unique spaces like Broken Strings alive.
Raise a Glass to Broken Strings
Broken Strings Brewery may be closing its doors, but its story doesn’t end here. For those who have found happiness in a great beer, made lasting friendships under its roof, or simply enjoyed the ambiance and camaraderie, the memories created at Broken Strings will last a lifetime.
If you’re in Orlando, don’t miss the chance to say goodbye at the taproom on January 18th. After all, there’s no better way to honor a brewery that’s brought so much joy than to raise one last pint in its honor.