CLEVELAND — Bad Tom Smith Brewing, a popular Cleveland bar located in Ohio City, has closed for good, citing the challenges of the pandemic, the company announced Wednesday. .

What You Need To Know

  • Bad Tom Smith Brewing is closing for good

  • The bar cited the COVID-19 pandemic for its closure

  • The bar’s Cincinnati location will remain open

  • Bad Tom Smith Brewing encouraged customers to continue supporting other local establishments

The bar had been open for four years and was located between the West Side Market and Lutheran Hospital. 

“The impact and unpredictability of COVID-19 have prevented us from seeing a sustainable path forward in Cleveland,” the company wrote on Facebook. 

In its letter to customers, Bad Tom Smith Brewing asked its patrons to support other local establishments like Boohouse Brewing and Hansa Brewery. 

“In today’s world, while there is a real joy in working to create a great product, each day is a struggle in sharing their great food and beers with you,” the bar wrote. 

In August, Bad Tom Smith Brewing announced that due to COVID-19 implications, the bar would temporarily close. 

Bad Tom Smith Brewing will continue operations in the Cincinnati area. 

The National Restaurant Association said that although sales are up in the service industry, employee retention remains a concern. As of the end of August, the bar and restaurant industry had 1 million fewer workers than before the pandemic.

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