News Summary
Naked River Brewing Co. in Chattanooga has announced it will close on July 20, 2025, after nearly five years of serving craft beer and barbecue. The brewery plans to host a farewell party on July 19, inviting patrons to celebrate. Owner Jake Raulston reflects on the challenges faced, including a competitive market, while expressing gratitude for community support. The closure impacts the nearby Smoke on the River eatery and marks the end of an era for many locals who enjoyed the brewery’s vibrant atmosphere.
Chattanooga Brewery to Close After Nearly Five Years
Naked River Brewing Co. in Chattanooga, Tennessee, announced its closure set for July 20, 2025, after nearly five years of operation. The brewery, located on Reggie White Blvd, has been a popular destination for craft beer and barbecue lovers since it opened in November 2018.
Community Farewell and Closing Plans
The Naked River Brewing team has expressed deep gratitude for the support received from customers throughout the years. To commemorate the end of its journey, the brewery plans to host a farewell party on July 19, 2025, inviting patrons to help “drink every last drop of beer.” Until the closing date, the brewery will continue to introduce a new beer each week, including an English Brown Ale available this week to honor the brewery’s legacy.
Challenges and Community Impact
Owner Jake Raulston, reflecting on the brewery’s operations, noted the many challenges faced in the competitive local market while expressing appreciation for the community engagement that has shaped Naked River Brewing. The closure comes at a time when several other local restaurants and attractions, such as Earnest Chinese, Thai Smile, and Taco Mac, have also shut down, highlighting the difficulties the dining and entertainment landscape is currently navigating.
Uncertainty for New Eateries
The future of Smoke on the River, a recently opened eatery specializing in a fusion of Southern barbecue and Sicilian cuisine inside Naked River Brewing, remains uncertain in light of the brewery’s announcement. The establishment was expected to thrive in conjunction with the brewery’s vibrant atmosphere, but the upcoming closure may impact its operational viability.
Significance as a Community Hub
Naked River Brewing has been recognized as a significant community hub, fostering a welcoming environment for families and friends to gather and enjoy craft beer and BBQ. Its closure marks the end of an era for many locals who frequented the brewery for its unique offerings and warm atmosphere.
The brewing team extended heartfelt appreciation to all staff members who played a crucial role in creating the inviting ambiance that Naked River Brewing has been known for. Their contributions helped solidify the brewery’s status as a beloved gathering place in Chattanooga.
As residents prepare for the upcoming farewell celebration, they will have the opportunity to reminisce about the memories made at Naked River Brewing, while also acknowledging the broader challenges faced by local businesses amidst an evolving commercial landscape.
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Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Naked River Brewing to Close
- News Channel 9: Naked River Brewing Company Announces Closure
- Local 3 News: Naked River Brewing Co. to Close
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Brewery
- Hits 96: Naked River Brewing Co. Launches Smoke on the River
- Google News: Naked River Brewing Closure
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
