The surprising news spread quickly around Cape Coral.
Scotty’s Bierwerks, the only brewery in the Cape, is unexpectedly closing. And soon.
“It is with profound sadness, and the heaviest of hearts, that we must announce we are closing our doors indefinitely at the end of the day this Friday, November 28th,” a post on its Facebook page read.
Scotty’s has been part of the community since owner Scott Melick opened the popular brewery off Pondella Road in March 2017.
“It’s so much more than just a brewery; it is a home away from home,” the post continued. “If you know, you know.”
It hosted trivia nights, celebrations in a private room off the taproom, brought in food truck after food truck, had live music, yoga classes and so much more. And Brewmaster, the brewery’s photogenic cat, always drew attention whenever it popped up.
“We’ve watched our community flourish,” the post read. “We are truly all family now… We are devastated to close these doors knowing we will not share these daily moments with you any longer, but the memories… they are all we have left, and they will live on.”
At the start
Melick was a home brewer long before Scotty’s opened.
“I started the brewery because I could make better beer at home than I could buy,” he told The News-Press in 2023.
And he went all in.
“When I built the brewery, I didn’t want to have to keep building, so I made it large enough. It’s expensive to expand,” he said.
Large as in a 20-barrel system and 10,000 square-foot brewery, plus a warehouse for fermenters and kegs.
It didn’t take long before his beers began medaling in-state and nationwide, including honors from North American Brewers Association, Best Florida Beer Brewer’s competition and the Denver International Beer competition.
His Irish red ale was the first to win, while the creamsicle fruit ale was the latest.
Among the medal winners are his blonde ale, Hefeweizen, double IPA and oatmeal stout — all golds — and the German pilsner, cream ale and English brown ale.
About 100 locations sell Scotty’s beer.
It’s all very impressive considering it began with four beers — American IPA, Hefeweizen, Irish red and pale ale.
“…Scotty has been preparing for a well-deserved retirement,” the post continued. “He has brewed the best beers in the Cape year after year, built a brand everyone can recognize from a mile away, and a community that is unparalleled.”
Final goodbyes
With Melick looking to retire, it looked like he “found the perfect successor.”
“One of our very own brewmasters, who was ready to step up and carry the Scotty’s brand forward in Cape Coral for years to come,” the post read. “While everything seemed picture-perfect, we have simply run out of time and options. Despite fighting the good fight and our best efforts, lease negotiations have reached a complete standstill.”
Which leads us to the closure.
Scotty’s will be open until last call (usually around 10 p.m.) Wednesday, Nov. 26. After being closed for Thanksgiving, the final day will be from 1 p.m. to last call on Friday, Nov. 28.
“Please come say goodbye to Will, Mary, Ashlee, and, of course, Scotty,” the post concluded. “Don’t wait, there will not be another chance. Come get a piece of Scotty’s history, stock up on merchandise, and grab a few beers, cans and kegs to enjoy at home this Thanksgiving weekend.
“Think of us as you enjoy these final pints, tag us in your posts so we can share your memories, and spend our last couple of days with us as we close this incredible chapter known as Scotty’s Bierwerks. We love you, & we thank you for being here for all these years. You have all truly made Scotty’s everything it is today.”
It’s signed by Mary, Will, Scott, Ashlee, Max, Juan, & Charlotte.
We wish you all the best.
Scotty’s Bierwerks, 901 Industrial Circle, Cape Coral; follow on Facebook
Robyn George is a food and dining reporter for The News-Press. Connect at rhgeorge@fortmyer.gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Popular Cape Coral brewery announces sudden closing
Reporting by Robyn George, Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News / Fort Myers News-Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
