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Taproom Trend Fades: Royal Oak Bar Closes Doors
18 Aug
Summary
- North End Taproom, a pioneer in self-pour technology, is closing.
- Owners cite sustainability issues as the reason for closure.
- The taproom's final day of service is scheduled for August 30.
Royal Oak's North End Taproom, a business instrumental in the rise of self-pour taprooms, is set to close on August 30. Owners Katheryn and Jon Stoia announced the difficult decision, stating that the business model is no longer sustainable for them.
They expressed heartfelt gratitude to their customers and the Royal Oak community for embracing their "crazy idea" of a taproom where patrons could pour their own beer. The Stoias were part of a group that advocated for Michigan's 2022 law enabling self-serve alcohol establishments.
This closure follows a trend of other self-pour establishments and craft breweries shutting down, including Elephant & Co. in Royal Oak and JBird in Wyandotte, which also had brief operations. Other self-pour bars continue to operate in Detroit.
Until its final day on August 30, North End Taproom will maintain its regular hours. The taproom is located at 111 S. Main in Royal Oak.
