LOCAL Brewhouse closes after decade of service

RIO RANCHO — After 10 years, The LOCAL Brewhouse is closing for good.

The brewhouse, located on Unser Boulevard, closed Dec. 29, according to owner Steve Pitt in a Facebook post.

"Today I finally get to announce my retirement from the Bar/Restaurant industry after 25 Yrs owning bars," Pitt wrote.

Pitt and his wife Brenda took ownership of the bar in February 2016 after The Damn Bar closed its doors. 

The Local Brewhouse concept started in Albuquerque’s Paradise Square Shopping Center on Montgomery Boulevard, but the location was short-lived. Pitt relocated the concept to Rio Rancho to bring back the concept of “local hangout” to the city.

At the brewhouse, Pitt offered “elevated bar food” and beer on tap from local breweries. It was also a common spot for locals to view their favorite sports teams on television.

According to Observer archives, the Pitt couple went through hard times during the COVID-19 pandemic but pulled through. To do so, Pitt pulled out a loan and attempted to stay open, but due to public health orders, could not continue in a cost-effective manner,

Eventually, Pitt was awarded grants from the city of Rio Rancho and Sandoval County that helped offset costs and allowed him to re-open.

Those trials and tribulations appear to be at a permanent end now. Recently, the bar was put on the market for $2.8 million. Pitt's announcement did not indicate if anyone has taken over the establishment.

He did explain his situation, though.

"As some of you know my wife was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer in June 2021 and has been putting up one hell of a fight since," he said. "Juggling between running The Local Brewhouse and being her sole caregiver has been a battle to say the least but we managed to get to the 10 year mark and now it is time for me to devote 100% of my time to my wife."

He thanked customers and employees for devoting time to the bar.

"My wife and I would like to thank each and every one of you who has supported The Local Brewhouse over the last 10yrs both customers and employees, without you it would have never been as successful as it was," he stated.