Opelika, Alabama, January 6, 2026
Red Clay Brewing Company in Opelika, Alabama, will close its doors in March 2026 after over a decade of operation. While the brewery’s taproom will shut down, the owners emphasize that the spirit of Red Clay Brewing will persist in new forms. The decision highlights the challenges faced by small businesses and the dynamic nature of the craft beer industry, which plays a significant role in local economies and community engagement.
Opelika, Alabama
Alabama Brewery Red Clay Brewing to Close After 11 Years, “Spirit Isn’t Going Anywhere”
Red Clay Brewing Company, a notable establishment in Opelika, Alabama, is preparing to close its doors after 11 years of operation in March 2026. This announcement marks a significant moment for the local community and Alabama’s vibrant craft beer scene. The brewery’s owners have indicated that while the physical taproom will cease operations, the “spirit isn’t going anywhere – it’s just changing shape.”
The closure of a beloved local institution like Red Clay Brewing Company highlights both the dynamic nature of entrepreneurship and the challenges faced by small businesses in today’s economic climate. The craft beer industry, a sector that thrives on innovation and community engagement, has seen significant growth but also faces evolving market conditions and regulatory landscapes. This development prompts a look at the resilience and adaptability that characterize Alabama AL entrepreneurs.
A Decade of Crafting Community and Innovation
Red Clay Brewing Company first opened its doors in 2015, established by founders Kerry McGinnis, Stephen Harle, and John Corbin. They transformed a passion for homebrewing into a cornerstone of Opelika’s downtown, which has since flourished with a variety of businesses including breweries, a taproom, a distillery, and restaurants. The brewery was named for the distinctive red clay of the South, embodying a deep connection to its Alabama roots. Their product lineup included popular beers such as Halftime Hefeweizen, Murder Creek Cherry Cider, and Sweet Potato Brown Ale.
The founders brought diverse professional backgrounds to their venture, with expertise spanning brewing, manufacturing, sales, marketing, and finance. This multi-faceted approach allowed them to manage various aspects of the business, from production and distribution to managing the tasting room and financial oversight.
Community Engagement and Economic Impact
Beyond its brewing operations, Red Clay Brewing Company played a significant role in the Opelika community. It was recognized as the 2024 Downtown Business of the Year by Opelika Main Street, an award presented in February 2025. The brewery and its founders were instrumental in numerous downtown events, including “On Tap,” “Touch a Truck,” “On the Tracks,” and “Christmas in a Railroad Town,” demonstrating their commitment to community involvement. John Corbin, one of the founders, also served on the Opelika Main Street Board of Directors from 2019 to 2024, holding leadership positions that helped guide the organization through a transitional period.
The craft brewing industry as a whole contributes substantially to the economy. Nationwide, the craft brewing industry contributed $72.5 billion to the U.S. economy in 2024 and supported over 440,000 jobs. In Alabama, the state has seen an average of four new breweries added each year since 2008, bringing the total to 54 breweries. According to 2020 data, Alabama’s breweries annually produce over 80,000 barrels of craft beer and generate an economic impact of $858 million. The collective efforts of Birmingham AL business leaders and similar entrepreneurs across the state are vital for Birmingham economic growth and job creation.
Navigating an Evolving Market
The craft beer landscape is dynamic, with both opportunities and challenges. Nationwide, there were fewer than 1,800 breweries in the U.S. in 2010, a number that has grown to nearly 9,000, with craft brew accounting for over 13% of the overall beer market. This growth, however, has led to increased competition and an evolving consumer palate.
Small craft breweries in Alabama also encounter specific obstacles. State-level beer distribution regulations can favor wholesalers, limiting brewers’ ability to terminate or amend distribution agreements. Additionally, state law may prohibit breweries from self-distributing their products or having a financial interest in a licensed wholesaler, and they are generally only permitted to serve alcohol produced on-site. The cost of licensing has reportedly nearly tripled in recent years, and liability insurance costs have quadrupled. These factors underscore the importance of supportive regulatory frameworks for fostering small-business resilience.
The End of an Era, The Continuation of a Spirit
The decision to close Red Clay Brewing Company’s physical location comes after 11 years of dedicated service to its patrons and the wider Opelika community. The owners expressed gratitude for the “adventure of a lifetime” and affirmed that the “Red Clay spirit isn’t going anywhere—it’s just changing shape.”
This transition reflects the entrepreneurial spirit of adaptation and reinvention that defines many Alabama AL entrepreneurs. While the closure marks the end of a chapter for a beloved establishment, it also represents an opportunity for the founders to explore new avenues for community engagement and business ventures. The commitment to innovation and contributing to the local fabric remains a driving force for many small businesses, including those in the Birmingham small business community.
Supporting Local and Looking Forward
The story of Red Clay Brewing Company serves as a reminder of the passion and hard work invested by small business owners in communities across Alabama. Their contributions extend beyond economic figures, fostering vibrant social hubs and strengthening local identity. As Birmingham economic growth continues, supporting local businesses, adapting to market changes, and advocating for sensible regulations remain crucial for maintaining a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.
We encourage our readers to continue patronizing local establishments, recognizing the vital role they play in our collective prosperity and unique community character. Stay engaged with HEREBirmingham.com for further insights into how Alabama’s entrepreneurs are shaping our economic future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the name of the Alabama brewery closing after 11 years?
- The Alabama brewery closing after 11 years is Red Clay Brewing Company, located in Opelika.
- When is Red Clay Brewing Company closing?
- Red Clay Brewing Company is preparing to close its doors in March 2026.
- Who founded Red Clay Brewing Company?
- Red Clay Brewing Company was founded by Kerry McGinnis, Stephen Harle, and John Corbin.
- What was Red Clay Brewing Company known for?
- Red Clay Brewing Company was known for popular beers like Halftime Hefeweizen, Murder Creek Cherry Cider, and Sweet Potato Brown Ale, and for being a hub of community engagement in Opelika.
- What is the economic impact of craft breweries in Alabama?
- According to 2020 data, Alabama’s breweries produce over 80,000 barrels of craft beer annually and generate an economic impact of $858 million.
- What challenges do craft breweries face in Alabama?
- Craft breweries in Alabama face challenges such as state-level beer distribution regulations that may favor wholesalers, restrictions on self-distribution, and increased costs for licensing and liability insurance.
Key Features of Red Clay Brewing Company
| Feature | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Opelika, Alabama | State-level |
| Years in Operation | 11 years (opened 2015, closing March 2026) | Local |
| Founders | Kerry McGinnis, Stephen Harle, John Corbin | Local |
| Community Involvement | 2024 Downtown Business of the Year, instrumental in local events, founder served on Opelika Main Street Board | Local |
| Economic Impact (Alabama Craft Beer Industry) | $858 million annually (2020 data), 80,000+ barrels produced annually (2020 data) | State-level |
| National Craft Beer Economic Impact (2024) | $72.5 billion, over 440,000 jobs | Nationwide |
| Challenges Faced by Alabama Breweries | State-level distribution regulations, restrictions on self-distribution, increased licensing and insurance costs | State-level |
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Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
