On the eve of hosting a GOP rally with US Sens. Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas), an iconic Lincoln-based brewery shuttered its doors.
The company, Zipline Brewing Co., has been drafting and distributing craft beer in Lincoln since opening in 2012, but said in a Thursday afternoon Facebook post that they’ve “made the difficult decision to close its taproom and beer lounge and conclude its brewing operations, effective immediately.”
However, Zipline said their tap and grill location in north Lincoln “will remain open and continue serving guests.” About 20 workers were let go due to the closure.
The reasoning offered for the closure has been a bit murky. A poster on the door of the brewery’s 56th and Pine Lake location cited inflation and rising expenses. Meanwhile, the company replied to its initial announcement on social media saying: “We also want to clarify that this decision was made some time ago as part of a business transition and is not related to any past or future events at Zipline.”
The scheduled event with Ricketts and Cruz drew criticism from some of the taproom’s regulars for “politicizing” the business. Former employees told Nebraska Public Media that they were unaware of the nature of the event until details began circulating on social media.
The rally was ultimately moved to the Lincoln Country Club.
Zipline was acquired by the Nebraska-based John Deere dealer ARKS several years ago, following a collaboration on a co-branded ale. Kevin Clark, CEO of ARKS, has donated to several state GOP candidates in recent years, including Ricketts.
Clark’s recent donation history is as follows:
- September 30, 2023 – $2,900 – Adrian Smith (R), Nebraska 3rd District Congressman
- March 12, 2024 – $3,300 – Don Bacon (R), Nebraska 2nd District Congressman
- April 24, 2024 – $3,300 – Adrian Smith (R), Nebraska 3rd District Congressman
- May 14, 2024 – $3,300 – Pete Ricketts (R), US Senator for Nebraska
- November 1, 2024 – $3,300 – Pete Ricketts (R), US Senator for Nebraska
ARKS also made a $5,000 donation to the Nebraska Republican party in April 2023.
“What we are most proud of is not just the beer we brewed, but the people who made it possible. We are deeply thankful to every employee who poured their passion into Zipline, every customer who chose our beer, and every partner who helped us grow,” Zipline said in their closing statement. “We close this chapter with immense pride, sincere gratitude, and deep appreciation for the journey we have shared together. Cheers.”
