Oregon’s first Black-owned brewery closing its doors permanently

PORTLAND Ore. (KPTV) - Oregon’s first Black-owned brewery is closing its doors. Over the past six years, Assembly Brewing has become a staple in the Southeast Portland community, but the owner said financial woes have forced its closure.

“For the last few years, if we had the real support of this neighborhood, we wouldn’t be in this position,” said Assembly Brewing owner George Johnson.

Johnson said he is still emotional after telling his staff and customers he was closing his original location on Foster for six years due to financial issues.

“My analogy is it’s like going into a battle with just your underwear, we don’t have any type of padding to go into this new fight,” said Johnson.

Johnson said his location on Alberta will remain open but there is no room for brewing. So, he had to make a tough decision and close the location, draining him the most financially.

“I had to make the decision, or I was going to go homeless,” said Johnson.

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Southeast Portlanders filled the business trying to get their last slice and brew on Wednesday. Customer Tobin Cox has supported the brewery since it opened and said losing Oregon’s first black-owned brewery is a huge loss.

“Having that gone is really detrimental to Portland as a whole,” said Cox.

According to the Brewers Association, in 2024, over 35 breweries, cideries, and taprooms closed in Oregon. That’s more than the number of new ones opened. Cox said more people buying local could change that.

“When I am able to go out, when I am able to spend money, really making that count because we lose businesses like this if we don’t step up and show up,” said Cox.

With the business only days away from closing permanently, and several employees now out of a job, Johnson said he will miss the brewery he dreamed of and worked for.

“I’ve been working on this since I was a teenager, I’m in my 50s, and now I have to figure out what I’m going to do with the rest of my life,” said Johnson.

The Assembly Brewing location on Foster will be open until Sunday.

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