Guinness closes its one-of-a-kind Maryland brewery, putting 174 jobs at risk 

A popular brewery and visitor destination near Baltimore is preparing to close its doors, leaving more than 170 workers facing layoffs. The shutdown marks another setback for the local hospitality industry as rising costs and changing consumer demand reshape the beverage business.

Guinness brewery to close November 1

Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Halethorpe, Maryland, will close to the public on November 1, according to an announcement from parent company Diageo. The operation is expected to wind down completely by the end of the year.

A notice filed with the Maryland Department of Labor on October 1 lists 174 employees of Aramark Campus LLC for permanent layoffs effective November 1. Aramark provides food service and facilities management at the brewery. 

The brewery opened in 2018 and has welcomed more than 2 million visitors, according to the company. It became a destination for beer enthusiasts and tourists seeking specialty brews, food, and experiences tied to the Guinness brand.

Rising costs contribute to shutdown

Diageo said the decision followed a review of its operations and long-term business priorities. The company cited increasing operating costs, shifts in consumer demand, and broader economic pressures affecting the site’s ability to remain sustainable. 

The closure follows an earlier round of job losses at the site. In 2023, Diageo shut down a manufacturing operation next to the brewery, eliminating approximately 97 jobs while the visitor-facing business remained open.

Next steps

After the Maryland location closes, Guinness will retain its U.S. brewery in Chicago. Diageo has also announced a $250,000 community fund to support local organizations focused on economic opportunities and the hospitality industry.

The upcoming shutdown will end Guinness Open Gate Brewery’s eight-year presence in Baltimore County and affect workers employed in food service and facilities operations.

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