(KRON) — Oakland’s solely Korean-owned brewery is shutting down its brick-and-mortar location. Dokkaebier, positioned at 420 third St. close to Jack London Sq., introduced on Wednesday that its final day can be on Dec. 29.
Dokkaebier crafts experimental beers utilizing elements from Korean tradition. Its flavors embody kimchi bitter, rice kolsch and yuza blonde.
Proprietor Youngwon Lee cited managing employees and “Oakland’s declining market” as causes for its closure.
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Lee says the brewery will stay in operation in a brand new capability. It’ll work to extend its distribution and ship its beer to new markets.
“We’re refocusing on what we do best: working with trusted production partners, expanding distribution, and growing Dokkaebier in a lean, efficient, and profitable way. This means more tastings, festivals, and connecting with customers where they are, while bringing Dokkaebier to new markets across the U.S. and beyond,” Lee mentioned.
Lee began Dokkaebier on the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Its bodily location opened in April 2023. Simply two p.c of craft breweries in the USA are Asian-owned, in response to a 2021 examine by the Brewers Affiliation.
It’s named after a Korean legendary creature known as “Dokkaebi,” which likes to eat, drink and socialize. The brewery sells rooster along with beer.
“2025 will be a new chapter for us, but this is not the end,” Lee mentioned.