Utah’s first Black-owned brewery closes after seven years
Utah’s first Black-owned brewery, Policy Kings, has officially closed after seven years of serving craft beer, culture, and connection. The closure follows a court dispute with their landlord over nearly $50,000 in unpaid rent.
The announcement came on September 26, when the Black- and veteran-owned business shared a heartfelt farewell message on Instagram. The post read, “After fighting, arguing, proposals, we still were not able to work it out with the landlord. PK is officially closed.”
Despite the sad ending, Policy Kings leaves behind a strong legacy as a space that blended great beer with community pride and creativity.
A legal battle leads to an emotional farewell
According to court filings, the landlord, HMB Partners LLC, claimed $49,304.67 in unpaid rent and issued an eviction notice on September 10. The owners, Sara and Andrew Ridgel, were given three days to vacate the premises.
Two weeks later, the landlord filed a formal complaint in Utah’s 3rd District Court, accusing Policy Kings of failing to comply. The Ridgels had been open about the financial strain, admitting that the brewery had fallen behind on rent due to rising costs and post-pandemic challenges.
Even as they prepared to fight the eviction in court, the owners confirmed they could no longer stay open during the legal process. Their statement expressed deep gratitude to supporters: “Thanks to the many who came and loved what we had for the time we were here.”
The story behind Policy Kings and its name
Policy Kings first opened its doors in 2018 in Cedar City, Utah. It was founded by Andrew and Sara Ridgel, a husband-and-wife team passionate about beer, entrepreneurship, and community. The brewery’s name paid tribute to Chicago’s early 20th-century “policy kings,” Black entrepreneurs who built businesses despite racial and economic obstacles.
In May, the brewery relocated to Salt Lake City’s Central Ninth neighborhood, hoping to reach a larger audience and expand its offerings. The move represented a major leap for Utah’s small Black business community, as Policy Kings was not only the state’s first Black-owned brewery but also a gathering place for diverse voices.
Reflecting on their journey, the owners wrote, “When we started this journey, we knew it was a gamble. That is the life of every small-business owner.”
Community support and lasting impact
The closure sparked an outpouring of support from Utah residents and fellow entrepreneurs. The Violet Hour, an upcoming lesbian bar in Salt Lake City, organized a fundraiser to help Policy Kings cover legal costs. Many community members shared stories of how the brewery gave them a sense of belonging and pride.
Though its physical doors have closed, the spirit of Policy Kings continues through the community it built. The brewery not only introduced many Utahns to the art of craft brewing but also created space for conversations around diversity, business, and representation in a predominantly white industry.
As many locals noted, Policy Kings’ presence in Utah’s craft beer scene was never just about beer — it was about breaking molds, building bridges, and celebrating culture with every pour.
