COLUMBIA, MD — Black Flag Brewing Company could close its Columbia brewery location at the end of November if a pending sale of the business falls through.
The brewery, located at 9315 Snowden River Parkway, said its original 10-year lease expires Nov. 30, creating a deadline for the sale to another local brewing company.
Black Flag signed a contract earlier this year to sell the business, with plans for the buyer to operate both brewing brands from the Columbia location. The agreement also calls for retaining Black Flag's existing employees.
But the purchase is only about 20% funded, according to the brewery, leaving uncertainty over whether the deal can be completed before the lease expires.
Black Flag is now seeking backup offers in case the original sale does not move forward. The brewery said preference will be given to potential buyers willing to keep its current employees.
The owner and founder, Brian Gaylor, stressed that a closure is not definite and said they remain hopeful a deal can be reached before Nov. 30.
Gaylor shared on social media last week that after welcoming his first child this year, he's decided she cannot give the brewery the attention it needs in order to extend the lease when it expires on Nov. 30.
"I have been struggling to find the time, creativity and energy to keep things going as they have been in the past. The deal not only gave the new owners a chance to expand their brand but also kept all of our staff and kept us open and available for all our taproom and retail accounts," the brewery stated on Facebook. "I have tried running things with more of a balance for my time outside of the brewery at the outcome was not best for the business or customers."
Black Flag opened in Columbia in 2016 and has become known for its IPAs, Belgian-inspired beers and specialty releases.
For now, Black Flag remains open as efforts continue to find a buyer and keep the brewery operating at its longtime Columbia home.
"It is very possible that this sale does not go through. It is very possible that 11/30 is our last day in business. I hope I am wrong for a variety of reasons, but at this time, I owe everyone some kind of notice," Gaylor stated. "With that said, we are soliciting backup offers to give the brand and employees the best chance of moving forward as soon as possible."
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