King Street Ale House Closing Down

[feldmann]

Just saw the ale house announce on facebook they're closing for good as of today. Must of been a rough season after seeing McGinnins Landing close recently too.

A big hit for craft beer in Fredericton for sure and a big shock.

[Roger]

Wow! That's suprising.
I hardly go out to drink anymore. I prefer to pick up some beers go home prepare a nice meal and have a few drinks.
I guess I'm not alone...

[shazapple]

When they first opened they were one of the first places where you could get a big variety of beer, but now you can go almost anywhere for that. I don't think their huge space was a help either. They seemed to seat people mostly in the back and left the front empty.

[jamie_savoie]

There're more breweries with taproom now, I'm sure that must affected them in a way
I'm sorry for them and all the employees tho. They were pioneer promoting craft beers

[feldmann]

Wow! That's suprising.
I hardly go out to drink anymore. I prefer to pick up some beers go home prepare a nice meal and have a few drinks.
I guess I'm not alone...

This is pretty much me too, I rarely go out.

The trend for a few years now seems to be moving towards places like Greystone and away from big restaurants and I guess the Ale House just failed to find its niche in a market where like shazapple said almost everywhere has a pretty extensive beer menu.

[ECH]

We rarely go out either, and frankly not to trash them, but have been there a few times, and got crappy service every time. Almost have to beg to get a refill.

Besides that, Doug said that without a brewery on site, it was pretty much a no win situation.

Anyone want to buy a bar and start a brewery? LOL. Unfortunately the way it is laid out is not conducive to a brewery without extensive renos. Nice bar at the back, which would be the ideal place for a brewery, however that doesn't leave much space up front for seating. Get rid of the kitchen and bring in food trucks?

Always thought the building on the corner where Quisnos used to be would be an ideal place for a brewery, but they must be asking a fortune for rent.

[Two Wheeler]

I was quite disappointed with this news. I used to work for Doug 12 years ago,  and with his manager Jason. Every time I went in there one or both of them would come over  to the table and say hi. They even catered our wedding as a (paid) favour. They've also been very friendly to our club, and have helped Lloyd a lot as well.

At the same time, I guess it makes sense. The place hasn't been full in a long time, and the patio isn't great for the summer months. When they started as the Garrison, they had better selection than ANBL, but the market has caught up.