Steel Leaf Brewing on Hertel to Close Feb. 28, Owners Say

Steel Leaf Brewing Company on Hertel Avenue in North Buffalo announced on its Facebook page that it will close at the end of February and will be open through Feb. 28, the brewery said. WIVB reporter Mark Ludwiczak relayed the post, which framed the decision as the result of changing conditions that affect the family behind the taproom.

The company’s statement included a direct line on why it is shutting the Hertel taproom: "the current climate has shifted in ways that make continuing forward no longer the right path for our family." Local reporting also summarized the move as driven by recent market conditions and operational headwinds that made continuing untenable.

Owners reflected on the role the brewery played in the neighborhood, writing, "After much reflection, and long conversations with family and friends, we’ve made the decision to close Steel Leaf Brewing Company." The post goes on to describe the venue’s place on Hertel Avenue as "a dream brought to life. A gathering hall. A stage for music and trivia. A refuge on cold Buffalo nights. A home for laughter, first dates, game nights, celebrations, and quiet pints at the bar."

The Facebook announcement invites the community to upcoming taproom activity before the Feb. 28 closing. "We will be doing tons of specials over the next few weeks so come bid us farewell," the brewery wrote, and local coverage noted there will be planned final events, remaining growler fills, and merch sales at the Hertel location as part of the wrap-up.

Several practical details remain unlisted in the announcement and local excerpts: the post did not name the owners who signed it, did not include a full schedule for final events, and did not specify which beers will be available for growler fills or the pricing for merchandise. There was also no public detail about how many staff will be affected or whether the Hertel space will be re-leased or sold after Feb. 28.

If you want to see the taproom one last time, stop by Steel Leaf on Hertel Avenue before Feb. 28 and consider sharing a photo from your visit to document the final weeks. For additional context and the text of the Facebook post, WIVB reporter Mark Ludwiczak, who joined News 4 in 2024, covered the announcement and posted the excerpted company statement.