Bells Corners craft brewery closes its doors due to ‘current economic situation’

Conspiracy Theory Brewing in Bells Corners announced Saturday it has closed permanently. (Scott Rook/CTV News Ottawa)

An Ottawa craft brewery has closed its doors permanently, citing “the current economic situation.”

Conspiracy Theory Brewing announced the closure of the restaurant and the brewery in Bells Corners on Facebook Saturday morning.

“Due to economic uncertainty and future, we have to close our doors effective today,” the statement said.

“We have tried to pursue every option available to us and the risk is too high for ourselves and to our suppliers. It has been amazing time, and I cannot thank the staff and customers enough.”

In a statement to CTV News Ottawa, owner Paul Card said due to the current economic situation, Conspiracy Theory Brewing was “having difficulty finding enough money to pay the increasing costs of salaries, suppliers and lease.”

“Over the last year we have fallen behind on the rent and the landlord has decided the risk is too high for us to continue and locked the doors. We were hoping that the landlord would have supported us through the spring to see if things could turn around, especially with the U.S. and (President Donald Trump) situation may have played into our flavour.”

A notice of termination from The Strongman Group was on the door of Conspiracy Theory Brewing on Saturday, saying the tenant has failed to pay the rent. It says a first notice of default dated Dec. 17, 2024, was issued by the landlord to the tenant and the landlord “terminates the lease with immediate effect.”

Card tells CTV News Ottawa the landlord supported the Conspiracy Theory Brewing during the COVID pandemic, providing relief on the rent.

“They did go above and beyond for me,” Card said Tuesday. “More than what most landlords would do. The onus is on us to be profitable and they gave me every opportunity to be. Unfortunately, we did not succeed.”

Conspiracy Theory Brewing was a “small batch brewery” located on Robertson Road in Bells Corners.

“Our specialty is to bring you quality single batch brews. As any endeavor begins as a dream,” Conspiracy Theory Brewing said on its website.

“Many home brewers dream of opening their own brewery. We decided to take that extra step to make our dream a reality. Our goal is to produce a refined, balanced, quality products.”

This is the second craft brewery to close in Ottawa in recent weeks.

Shillow Beer Co. on Cyrville Road announced on social media last week it was closed.

“It’s been a pleasure to serve you. Thanks for drinking our beer,” said the post on the Shillow Beer Co. Instagram account.