After more than eight years as a staple in Montgomery County’s craft beer scene, Saints Row Brewing has announced it will close permanently at the end of April.
The announcement came in a heartfelt message shared by co-founder Tony Prebula, who reflected on the difficult decision and the journey that defined the brewery since its founding in 2017. “Sadly, Saints Row Brewing will be closing at the end of April this year,” Tony wrote, calling the decision “difficult and heart wrenching” after nearly a decade of building the business and community around it.
Saints Row will remain open through Thursday, April 30, giving customers a final opportunity to visit the brewery. A farewell “Silent Auction” and open house is also planned for Saturday, May 2 from 12pm to 7pm.
The closure follows an announcement last fall that Tony and his wife and co-founder, Lacy, planned to step away from the business and seek new ownership. At the time, they expressed hope that a new partner could carry on the brewery’s legacy while allowing them to focus more on family.
Over the past several months, the couple explored that path, meeting with potential partners they believed could be a good fit for both the business and the community. However, those efforts ultimately did not result in a transition.
“With ongoing uncertainties surrounding our industry, and increasing challenges facing producers, we mutually agreed a partnership would not be in the best interest of either party,” Tony shared. “It would not be right of us to simply take our money, and leave the burden of what lies ahead for someone else to manage and handle alone.”
The decision underscores the broader challenges facing craft breweries, even those with strong local followings. Saints Row had become known not just for its beer, but for its role as a gathering place rooted in connection and community.
Tony and Lacy emphasized that stepping away now is the right move for their family, even as it brings an emotional end to a significant chapter in their lives. “This place has been our whole life for nearly 10 years, and moving on this way hurts,” Tony wrote. “At the end of the day, we have a responsibility to make the most prudent and best choices for our family.”
He also noted that efforts are underway to support staff through the transition, including helping team members find new opportunities. Since opening, Saints Row Brewing grew into one of the defining names in the county’s evolving craft beer scene, built on a vision of sharing their passion while fostering a strong sense of community. Tony, a Gaithersburg native, and Lacy created the brewery with a hands-on approach that resonated with locals and helped establish a loyal following.
As the brewery prepares to close its doors, the Prebulas expressed deep gratitude to the community that supported them throughout the years. “Lacy and I are immensely humbled by what you all have done for us these last 8+ years, and we have nothing but love and affection for our community, our neighbors, and our amazing team,” Tony wrote.
The final weeks of operation will serve as both a farewell and a celebration of what Saints Row has meant to Montgomery County’s beer community.
