Two Wake County breweries are closing taprooms amid craft beer slowdown
As craft beer continues to cool nationally, two Wake County taprooms are closing.
In Cary, Cotton House Craft Brewers announced that Monday, Nov. 17, would be its last day, ending a six-year run as a brewery and taproom in a historic downtown Cary house.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the upcoming closure of Cotton House,” the owners wrote on Instagram last week. “Despite our continued efforts, we have faced a long and difficult uphill battle with circumstances that ultimately proved insurmountable.”
Cotton House opened in 2019, launched by owners Brent and Caryl Webb in a century-old home.
Despite being just steps from Cary’s bustling downtown park, the brewery filed for bankruptcy earlier this year and was bought by Triangle Beer Company.
“We had hoped for more time, particularly with the holiday season approaching, but those decisions were ultimately shaped by others with financial control over the process,” Cotton House wrote on its Instagram page. “To all who have walked through our doors over the past seven years: thank you. Your patronage, kindness, and loyalty made Cotton House a true home.”
Craft beer, a source of pride and acclaim in North Carolina, has seen its red hot trend start to cool off over the last few years. According to a report earlier this year by craft beer group the Brewer’s Association, more breweries closed than opened in 2024. A report over the summer showed that volume continues to slow nationwide.
Fuquay-Varina taproom closing
Vicious Fishes, one of the Triangle’s most prolific breweries, announced it will close its Fuquay-Varina location.
The brewery’s owners said the reason for the closing was a hike in rent costs.
“After 7 incredible years at our Tap & Kitchen in downtown Fuquay, we’ve decided it’s time to swim back to our roots,” Vicious Fishes said in an Instagram post. “Our lease is up - and the proposal is for a 55% rent hike. Given the dramatic increase and after a lot of consideration, we’ve decided we need to focus on what’s core to Vicious Fishes Brewery, which is making the best beer we can and serving it directly to patrons in our taprooms.“
Vicious Fishes first opened in Angier and also has locations in Apex and Cary. The Fuquay-Varina location was notable for the brewery as the only taproom with a kitchen. The menu went beyond usual gastropub fare, even getting a three star review from former N&O dining critic Greg Cox.
The closing is somewhat open-ended, with Vicious Fishes not announcing a specific date, but encouraging fans to drop in sooner rather than later.
“Our closing will be happening very soon and we’d love to see you again before we turn out the lights,” the post reads. “Come say hello to your favorite server or bartender and savor your favorite dish produced by our genius chef and his team. We’ll keep rocking this week as long as there’s food in the kitchen.”
This story was originally published November 17, 2025 at 12:22 PM with the headline "Two Wake County breweries are closing taprooms amid craft beer slowdown."
