Knocked out: Boxing Bear Brewing Company's West Downtown Taproom to close

Boxing Bear Brewing Company is bidding adieu to its West Downtown Taproom to focus on its other operations.

It is going out with two “A Final Bearwell” events. DJ Shakedown and DJ Clout will keep things popping from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 29, at the taproom located at 1710 Central Ave. SW. Local craft vendors including 2 Gemini Crafts, Person of Interest Arts, James Montoya Arts, CKelly Creations, and Tesoros By Victoria, will be selling their wares during the event. Zia Strong Snac Shac also will be serving food from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The taproom will be hosting a foosball and dart tournament on Saturday, Dec. 30. Registration begins at 4 p.m. with play starting at 5:30 p.m. Comida De Reyes will have food available from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The festivities will end at 10 p.m.

The decision to close the West Downtown location, which opened in May 2019, is bittersweet.

“It was a difficult decision to vacate our Central Avenue taproom, most especially because of our loyal customers,” said Kevin Davis, Boxing Bear executive partner and owner. “We had the very best landlord in Jay Rembe, who has been one of the most proactive owners with whom we’ve ever enjoyed a business relationship.”

The closure of its west downtown location allows the Boxing Bear team to focus on future expansions and growth of its brand.

Knocked out: Boxing Bear Brewing Company's West Downtown Taproom to close

“The main reason we’re discontinuing operations at the West Downtown location is because we wanted to tighten our belts, consolidate operations and refocus efforts on our existing locations,” Davis explained. “In 2024 and beyond, we’ll be directing attention to our other three retail locations, as well as our new partnership with Admiral Beverage Company.”

Admiral Beverage Company has been working hard at introducing the Boxing Bear brand across New Mexico, according to Davis.

“We look forward to keeping up with Admiral’s amazing pace of growth,” he added.

Some exciting changes are coming in spring 2024 for Boxing Bear’s Firestone Taproom & Brewery where its brewing operation is housed. It is located at 8420 Firestone Lane NE.

“We will be initiating a cocktail program as well as reopening our kitchen, which has been closed since the COVID lockdowns,” Davis said. “We are excited to reintroduce Boxing Bear’s famous ‘Albuquerque Turkey’ as part of our grilled sandwich menu. We’ll also have our amazing line of 10-inch pizzas, made to order.”

Boxing Bear’s Bridges on Tramway Taproom, located at 12501 Candelaria Road NE, has undergone a series of upgrades that have been popular with patrons.

“We continue to make improvements to our Tramway location, including our patio enhancements and the addition of heaters, which have been welcomed by our customers,” Davis said.

The improvements to its locations are one aspect of its continuous efforts to keeps its loyal customer base happy as well as be more inviting to new patrons.

“We’ll continue to serve our customers all over Albuquerque and beyond, by providing the high-quality products that our customers have come to expect,” Davis said.