Closure of Zipline Brewing’s Operations Marks End of an Era in Nebraska’s Craft Beer Scene
Once hailed as Nebraska’s largest craft brewery and a beloved staple in Lincoln, Zipline Brewing has suddenly ceased its brewing operations. This unexpected decision has left many in the community and its workforce taken aback.
In a Facebook post shared on Thursday, Zipline Brewing revealed its “difficult decision” to shut down its taproom, beer lounge, and brewing operations with immediate effect. Although the brewery operations have come to a halt, the company assured patrons that its Zipline Tap & Grill at the Fallbrook development in northwest Lincoln will continue to operate.
“As we evolve into a restaurant-focused organization, we are grateful for the opportunity to continue welcoming customers in this next chapter,” the Facebook post stated, signaling a shift in the company’s focus.
The closure was a shock to employees, including a former worker who wished to remain anonymous. They described the announcement as “completely out of the blue,” noting that brewing processes were underway when operations were abruptly stopped. “The brewers were literally in the middle of making a batch of beer,” the employee explained, highlighting the suddenness of the closure.
As a result, approximately 18 full- and part-time employees have lost their jobs. A “warehouse-sized cooler” filled with products, including a new IPA named “Galactic Enigma,” was left untouched, awaiting shipment when the announcement was made.
The closure also affected an event planned at the beer hall in Village Gardens, which was set to host a Republican rally with Nebraska Sen. Pete Ricketts and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz. News of the event sparked a social media backlash, with some critics targeting the company’s founders.
Jake Miller, a manager at Zipline, reported that the taproom received calls from upset customers who were “frustration seeing us represent that as the brand that they know and they love.” Employees were initially told the event was non-political, but details about the rally appeared online before they were fully informed.
While a Ricketts campaign spokesman mentioned that the rally venue was changed because RSVPs exceeded Zipline’s capacity, officials clarified it was unrelated to the company’s closure.
With employees locked out of work accounts and told to collect personal items, the meeting revealed that management had been attempting to sell Zipline for months without success. Employees noted that AKRS Equipment Solutions, a Nebraska-based John Deere dealer, acquired Zipline around two to three years ago.
AKRS CEO Kevin Clark, who has previously donated to Ricketts’ campaigns, has had a financial relationship with the Nebraska Republican Party, contributing $5,000 in 2023.
Founded in 2012, Zipline Brewing quickly gained a cult following for its craft beer offerings. Its Copper Alt beer was twice recognized as the best in its category nationwide, and its Dear Old Nebraska Brew was sold at Memorial Stadium. The brewery expanded its operations within Lincoln and Omaha before scaling back, with the Omaha site closing and the Lincoln taproom reopening last year.
