Kannah Creek Brewing Company, a fixture on N. 12th Street for 21 years, will close its doors permanently on October 24. Owners Jim and Bernadette Jeffryes are retiring, marking the end of an era for the local craft brew scene in Grand Junction. The closing date coincides with the exact day the brewpub first opened at 1960 N. 12th St. 21 years ago.
The Jeffryes have been trying to sell Kannah Creek Brewing Co. for a couple of years, but Bernadette Jeffryes stated they "haven't found the right person to take it over." The decision to close comes as the couple, both in their early to mid-seventies, expressed readiness to step away from the demanding business. "It’s a tough business and takes a lot of time and energy," Bernadette Jeffryes said, adding they are "ready to put our time and energy somewhere else."
Several factors contributed to the decision to close rather than sell. Bernadette Jeffryes pointed to "a tough time, the economy, inflation," and studies indicating a general reduction in alcohol consumption. Jim Jeffryes added that "restaurants are just a tough business." Another hurdle for potential buyers was that the Jeffryes do not own the building, meaning the sale would not include land or property.
The COVID-19 pandemic also played a significant role, according to Jim Jeffryes. He stated that Kannah Creek was "just now, this year, getting back in the black after COVID." This financial history made the business a less attractive prospect for buyers seeking "giant profits" over the last five years, even though Jim Jeffryes noted that 5% profit is generally "about industry standard" for brewpubs.
The microbrewing landscape in the Grand Valley has evolved considerably since Kannah Creek Brewing opened. Jim Jeffryes recalled that in 2005, The Rockslide Brew Pub was the only other brewpub, and while Palisade Brewing existed, it did not yet feature a restaurant. Jim Jeffryes had worked at Palisade Brewing before opening Kannah Creek, seeking to establish his own place. The Jeffryes acknowledged that when they began, Grand Junction was "a real Budweiser/Coors Light town," and they felt they "brought good beer into the town" at a time when craft beer was not yet popular.
Their success led to expansion, with the opening of Edgewater Brewery at 905 Struthers Ave. in 2013. The Jeffryes successfully sold Edgewater in early 2025 to an ownership group that rebranded it as WestCo Brewing Co. However, the original Kannah Creek location presented unique challenges for a sale, with Bernadette Jeffryes noting that interested parties were often focused on the restaurant aspect but "weren’t interested in the brewery side of it." While Jim Jeffryes observed that brewing can be intimidating to those unfamiliar with it, Bernadette Jeffryes highlighted that "You do have a good profit margin on the beer," making it a valuable part of the business.
Leading up to the final day, Kannah Creek is selling off its inventory with $5 pints of beer, well drinks, and wines. On October 24, which falls on a Saturday, the brewpub plans to host live music on the patio and conduct giveaways to mark its last day.
Looking ahead, Jim Jeffryes anticipates "We’re gonna sleep in" on October 25. Bernadette Jeffryes noted that despite the closure, there will still be work involved, including "deep cleaning" and managing the financial books for a few months. The Jeffryes expressed that while they may not miss the day-to-day operations, they will miss "the people" and the satisfaction of being a good employer, making good beer and food, and fostering a good time for patrons. Bernadette Jeffryes reflected on "being part of the community and stuff," a role Jim Jeffryes added they will continue, but "just in a different way now. We’re participants and not drivers." Jim Jeffryes summarized their 21-year journey as "a big adventure. Lots of ups and downs."
