For more than 20 years, Isaac’s Craft Kitchen & Brewery has been a favorite stop for families, college students, and beer lovers across central Pennsylvania. But now, the company says it will be permanently closing three of its restaurants, marking the end of an era for some longtime fans.
The closures will happen this fall, with two locations shutting their doors in October and one more in November.
Which Isaac’s locations are closing in pennsylvania
Isaac’s has confirmed that three of its restaurants will close after decades of serving customers. Here are the details you need to know:
- Lancaster City: 25 North Queen Street, Lancaster, PA 17603 — closing October 25
- South York: 235 Pauline Drive, York, PA 17402 — closing October 26
- Ephrata: 120 North Reading Road, Ephrata, PA 17522 — closing November 30
These restaurants have been neighborhood staples for years, but once the closing dates pass, they will no longer operate.
Why Isaac’s is closing its restaurants
According to Isaac’s Restaurants CEO Mike Weaver, several factors led to the decision. In a statement, Weaver said the closures were linked to low sales, inflation, proximity to other Isaac’s locations, and the impact of rising interest costs.
He explained: “We appreciate the thousands of guests who have visited these locations over the last 20+ years and hope that they can continue to visit us at other nearby locations.”
Weaver also confirmed that employees working at the closing locations will have the chance to transfer to other Isaac’s restaurants. That means staff members will still have job opportunities within the company, even if their current workplace is shutting down.
Recommended:
What is umbrella insurance — and why it might be right for you
The history of Isaac’s craft kitchen & brewery
Isaac’s first opened back in 1983 in Downtown Lancaster. At the time, it was just a small sandwich shop, but it quickly became popular with families and local college students.
Over the years, Isaac’s expanded its menu to include:
- French fries
- Appetizers
- A full restaurant-style selection
In 2020, Isaac’s added craft beer to the mix, officially turning into Isaac’s Craft Kitchen & Brewery. This new offering drew in a different crowd and gave the brand a fresh identity during a difficult time for restaurants nationwide.
How inflation and changing habits hurt breweries and restaurants
Isaac’s closures are not happening in a vacuum. Restaurants and breweries across the country have been hit hard in recent years. Inflation has raised the cost of ingredients, utilities, and labor. At the same time, many businesses have had to raise menu prices, which has slowed customer traffic.
According to the National Restaurant Association, restaurant visits have still not returned to the levels seen before the pandemic. On top of that, craft breweries have also been struggling. The Brewers Association reported that craft beer sales fell by 4% in 2024, and more breweries closed than opened that same year.
This combination of challenges has made it harder for even well-loved local spots like Isaac’s to stay afloat.
What happens to loyalty points and gift cards
If you are a longtime customer who has collected loyalty points or purchased gift cards, there is some good news. Isaac’s has confirmed that these can still be used at the 10 other Isaac’s locations that remain open across Pennsylvania.
That means you will not lose any money if you have a card or rewards saved up, but you will need to use them at one of the restaurants that are still in business.
What this means for isaac’s fans
For many people, Isaac’s was more than just a place to grab a sandwich or a beer. It was a part of the community — a spot for family dinners, college get-togethers, and casual nights out.
With three locations set to close, fans in Lancaster City, South York, and Ephrata will have to travel farther to visit their favorite restaurant. But the company hopes people will continue to support the remaining locations and keep the tradition alive.
Recommended:
Warning for dog owners: not declaring your pet can lead to insurance being cancelled
