Lagunitas leaving Chicago, heading back to California

Zoom in: The company will keep a Chicago warehouse, but 86 employees will be either relocated, work remotely or terminated.

• "We are committed to managing this transition thoughtfully, smoothly and with deep respect for our valued Chicago Lagunitas employees," Lagunitas spokesperson Sam Kennedy said in a statement.

Zoom out: Lagunitas says the decision was made because of "changing tides in the craft beverage industry."

• 2023 saw big revenue drops for craft beer across the country as alcohol consumption habits have shifted.

Context: Lagunitas was bought by Heineken in 2017.

What's next: The taproom is permanently closed, but the brewery operations will continue through early August.