World of Beer Bar & Kitchen, the beer-centric national chain, has filed for chapter 11 as both the beer industry and on-premise trade continue to struggle post-pandemic.
Based in Tampa, Florida the company was founded in 2007 during the height of the craft beer surge. It is known for its huge selection of beer totaling up to 500 beers by the can or bottle and up to 50 draft lines. Each location has a local beer expert in charge of managing that location’s assortment.
By 2015 the chain had over 75 locations across the country and was continuing to grow. But in recent years the company has been downsizing and now operates just 33 franchised and company-owned locations. Over the past year, the company closed 14 locations.
The company cited rising interest rates, lease obligations, inflation, and increased operating costs for its downturn.