As part of restructuring, CraftWorks Holdings closes the Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom in Boise's historic Union Block Building.

With two businesses in Oregon remaining, CraftWorks Holdings (owner of familiar brands Old Chicago, Gordon Biersch, and Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery) has announced the closure of 1 of their 2 Old Chicago Pizza & Taprooms in Idaho. 

Already reported via CBS-affiliate, Channel 2 IdahoNews, the last Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom in the state, at 350 N Milwaukee Street, will remain open as the parent company continues to restructure its business model. Unfortunately for those who supported Boise’s only other Old Chicago at 730 W. Idaho Street, in the historic Union Block building, this past Monday was the last evening to share a pint, a slice, or a memory at the 23-year-old location. 

Answering questions, Josh Kern, Chief Executive Experience Officer at CraftWorks Holdings, shared this. 

“This was purely a business decision as we continue to focus on other Old Chicago locations throughout the country.…We continue to be optimistic about the future of Old Chicago and are pleased with recent progress made on several growth initiatives that we believe should have a meaningful impact on our business.”

Meanwhile, for those who live in Oregon’s Portland or Hillsboro communities, both Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom locations appear to be operating with full-vigor. 

Unfortunately, in other locations throughout the country other brands within CraftWorks Holdings have suffered the same fate as Boise including; Old Chicago in Lincoln (Nebraska), Gordon Biersch Brewpub in Phoenix (Arizona), Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery in La Jolla (California), Old Chicago locations in Dallas and Cedar Hill (Texas), to name a few. 

It’s worth noting that Gordon Biersch Restaurant Brewery, owned by original founder Dan Gordon, is unaffected by CraftWorks restructuring strategy, save for the occasional comment on their social media. 

Time will tell, if the remaining Old Chicago locations in Hillsboro, Portland, and Boise remain open in the immediate future. But if history is any indicator, it won’t be long before another brewery with over 20 years of experience is forced to close its door soon.