TOLEDO, Ohio — Local craft breweries in Toledo are adjusting their pricing in response to ongoing inflation, with many increasing the cost of popular beer offerings to cope with rising production and labor expenses.
At Patron Saints Brewery, situated along Bancroft Street in west Toledo, price hikes have recently been implemented. Beers once priced at $6 are now listed at $8 — a reflection of the economic pressures facing small breweries nationwide.
Bartender Meghan Cremean explained that the decision to raise prices was delayed for as long as possible but ultimately became necessary due to mounting costs.
“Just recently, a couple of the things got raised a dollar just to kind of ease up a little bit,” Cremean said. “It had been a long time since prices changed, and it was about time, given the rising costs of making the beer.”
To help offset the impact on customers, Patron Saints Brewery continues to offer deals through its loyalty program, the Halo Society. The annual membership, paid in January, provides benefits throughout the year.
“So when people come in, they have the ability to be in our mug club,” said Cremean. “They buy a membership fee at the beginning of the year, and it covers them for the whole year.”
Despite the increases, customers are standing by the local business.
“I believe in supporting local business,” said patron Daniel Currier. “If we’re encountering economic issues, I think this is the time for the community to rise up and spend their money where the community is.”
Fellow customer Joshua Webb expressed a similar view.
“It doesn’t impact my decision on coming,” Webb said. “We probably would spend more money here even if prices were higher. It’s a value — and with that value, I’m also seeing my friends while I’m here. So I don’t think about the price.”
Cremean noted that the brewery remains focused on delivering high-quality products and fostering a friendly, community-oriented atmosphere.
“I think he just tries his best to balance the pricing of things while keeping people happy,” she said, referring to brewery management.
As inflation continues to ripple through the industry, craft breweries in Toledo are relying on a mix of pricing strategies and community loyalty to weather the economic headwinds.
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