BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Pour Taproom, a self-pour beer, cider and wine bar on Pearl Street in Buffalo, has announced it is closing.
The announcement was made on social media and the post said Wednesday, March 19, would be its last day of operation:
"It is with overwhelming sadness that we make this post. Pour Taproom Buffalo was an experience that turned into an idea, which turned into a dream and then became a reality. For the last (nearly) 4 years we've had the distinct pleasure of providing food, drinks, and experiences to those of you reading this and many more. Even though we aren't officially bartenders, we've laughed with you, celebrated with you, been there on your bad days, and created lifelong friendships and memories.
But as they say, all good things come to an end, and this is the end of this chapter for us. We were hoping this message would be an invite to a last call party in a couple weeks, but unfortunately that isn't the case. Today will be the last day of operation for Pour Taproom Buffalo."
The self-serve bar, located in the heart of the Theater District, originally opened in 2020 but faced immediate challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
While it officially welcomed customers in 2021, the lingering effects of the pandemic and changing work habits ultimately impacted its success.
"To those of you reading this, the words thank you will never be enough. Whether you stopped in once, or have a trivia team, or have been Tuesday night regulars, your presence in the taproom has had an enormous impact on our lives and we will never forget it. Thank you for being you.
To the employees we've had over the years who have become more like family than co-workers, thank you for your work ethic, attitude, and dealing with our crazy ideas. We're sorry we couldn't make it longer."
The Buffalo community gathered for one last toast to the venue, celebrating the memories and friendships made within its walls.
Matt Prime, the owner, said the establishment has had some struggles in recent years.
“The last year and a half or so, there has been a steady decline in business levels, very low foot traffic in the area, and just not enough events to bring people down here,” Prime said.
One of the key factors, he believes, is the shift in work culture. With many employees now working remotely or in hybrid roles, fewer people are commuting to the city, altering the traditional after-work social scene.
“Even for those on a hybrid model, if you’re only in the office two days a week, Thursday and Friday, that happy hour culture just isn’t the same anymore, we weren’t able to capitalize on that shift,” Prime said.
For loyal customers like Ryan Shi, the news was disappointing but not entirely surprising.
“With places like Dinosaur Bar-B-Que shutting down, it’s been slower than you’d expect for a district like this,” Shi said.
Christopher Young, another loyal customer agreed.
“Chains are fine, but you feel a real sense of community at places like this," Young said. "Even today, you see people rallying around, supporting this business on its last day. That’s the connection you build with local spots."
Prime said he is thankful to the Buffalo community for its support throughout the years.
“From the bottom of our hearts, we can’t thank them enough," he said. "We’ve made lifelong friends here."
If you weren’t able to make it to Pour Taproom’s last call in Downtown Buffalo, don’t worry, you can find them at their new location in Ellicottville.
