One day after Ash and Elm commemorated its 10th anniversary, the popular cider maker announced June 26 that it will close its east-side taproom at the end of the year, electing not to renew the lease. But the brand as a whole isn’t going anywhere.
“Many factors went into this decision, most of which are extremely boring, but it will be sad to say good-bye either way,” owners Aaron and Andréa Homoya wrote in the social media post.
The Homoyas noted that Ash and Elm’s Carmel taproom and kitchen will remain open, as will the cider maker’s production facility at 2112 E. Washington St. The production facility, the Homoyas own, will also be the home of Ash and Elm’s 10th anniversary party July 11.
The Washington Street taproom will operate as usual over the next six months, with possible adjustments to business hours as staff members find new positions elsewhere, according to the post. Ash and Elm will also appear at various events and farmers markets throughout the state. The Homoyas did not announce any immediate plans to relocate but did not rule out the possibility of a future revival.
“Just because we won’t have an Indy taproom for a season doesn’t mean we never will!” the post read.
The Homoyas began producing hard ciders under the Ash and Elm brand in 2016, following a trip to Ireland that steered Aaron’s passion for brewing and winemaking toward the fruit-forward world of hard cider, per Ash & Elm’s website. In 2021 they opened the Washington Street taproom, followed by the Carmel restaurant-bar in 2024. Last fall Ash and Elm was named on USA TODAY’s 10Best cideries list.
Ash and Elm currently distributes cider to more than 40 states.
Contact dining reporter Bradley Hohulin at bhohulin@indystar.com. You can follow him on Instagram @BradleyHohulin and stay up to date with Indy dining news by signing up for the Indylicious newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Ash and Elm to close east-side taproom, but brand isn’t going anywhere
Reporting by Bradley Hohulin, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Bradley Hohulin, Indianapolis Star | USA TODAY Network
