Triton Brewing shuts its doors after 13 years of operation

Lawrence, Indiana – On Saturday, Triton Brewing buzzed with the same energy and joy as any other night, yet this occasion held a unique distinction.

Saturday was a bittersweet farewell for co-founders David Waldman and Jon Lang as they spent their last night serving drinks and enjoying the company of their loyal patrons.

“It’s quite a mix of emotions,” Waldman remarked on Saturday night.

According to Waldman, Triton marked the inaugural brewery for Lawrence. Opened in 2011, it predates the construction of many surrounding buildings by several years.

“We’ve seen Lawrence develop right before our eyes,” Waldman remarked. “It’s difficult because we’ve seen so many of these families develop and thrive in our community.”

After observing the shifts in the craft beer industry over recent years, Waldman and Lang faced the tough choice to close their business.

“Craft cocktails are making their debut now, and CBD seltzers are also hitting the scene,” Lang stated. “It has detracted from the craft beer industry.”

Lang expressed that the expansion of options is commendable, yet it has influenced both the choices people make in their beverages and the demographics of those consuming them.
Waldman noted that beer consumption among millennials is not at the levels seen in older generations.

The industry has grown to be five times larger since the duo launched Triton in 2011. At that time, they held the distinction of being the 37th brewery in the state. The Indiana Brewers Guild has announced that the number has surpassed 200.

These trends extend beyond Indiana. The craft beer industry has hit a standstill nationwide.

“This trend has been developing over the past few years,” stated Julia Whitson, Executive Director of the Indiana Brewers Guild. “Each year, we will consistently observe a few closures, but alongside that, we will also witness a few openings.”

In 2024, the Brewer’s Association reported 335 new breweries opening, while 399 unfortunately shut their doors.

Triton has joined the ranks of other breweries in Indianapolis and throughout the state that have shut down in recent years. Scarlet Lane in Irvington closed its doors after a year of operation earlier in 2024.

Waldman remarked, “I’m not sure if there’s an official term for it, but I’m dubbing it ‘brew-apocalypse.’”

As the kegs began to empty Saturday night, Waldman and Lang embraced, shared laughter, and engaged in conversation with numerous customers who had become like family.

“We’ve made significant efforts to support the community, and in return, the community has supported us,” Lang stated.

The co-founders expressed that their silver lining in shutting down is the sense of having improved their community — a community for which they hold deep gratitude.
Waldman expressed gratitude and encouraged everyone to show kindness to one another.