Cape brewery closes after 11 years, leaving lasting community impact
FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – A longstanding business is closing its doors in Southeast Missouri.
After years of serving up pints and bringing people together, a local brewery in downtown Cape Girardeau has announced they will soon be pouring their last round.
Minglewood Brewery has been running in Cape Girardeau for 11 years, becoming a staple for many families, serving a variety of brews and food options, regular visitors say the announcement of the closing came as a big surprise.
“I’m actually pretty shocked to hear about Minglewood closing, because that was one of the bigger gathering areas, in Cape but after BG’s closing, and the potato skins moving to a different restaurant, I guess the bar scene and post bar scene in Cape is, changing.” –Now app user, Amelia Blackwell.
Although it’s unclear why the brewery is closing owners announced the news through the brewery’s Facebook page, saying the last day of operation is January 18, 2026.
Members of the community say it was much more than just a place to grab lunch but a community staple, with even a 5k event held in Cape each year called Mary Mingle after the brewery. The brewery was the last stop of the 5k and Minglewood owners were the first sponsors of the 5k. Visitors say the business will be greatly missed.
“I really like their food. I like how he took an old building and turned it into something that just kept going and just the feel of it.” –Now App user, Matt Torbet.
“I enjoy their food, the company, the friends that I’ve made over time as well as the owner, very nice gentleman. I personally feel like it’s a sad situation”- Now App user, Angel Christine.
“This is something that was unexpected, they had been open for the last 11 years, having great food, great service, and also just giving people a great time.” –Now app user, Kate Appleman.
Yesterday evening was overwhelming in the best possible way.
The amount of love, encouragement, and support I felt walking through Minglewood was something I’ll never forget.
From longtime regulars to folks I hadn’t met yet. For some reason, the feeling I experienced in the room took me back to the very beginning when I first opened.
I want to sincerely thank every single person who showed up, brought friends, and shared kind words. Honestly, I was surprised to see the response.
I also want to thank those who have replied with incredibly kind comments on Facebook and Instagram.
Sometimes it’s difficult as a restaurant owner to see the impact the business has on the community.
We spend so much time working inside our business that we don’t see our business from the guests’ perspective. From the outside. For the very first time, I was able to see my business through your eyes. I am humbled.
Because of that outpouring of support, there has also been interest from people who see what Minglewood is and want to explore continuing its story. While nothing is finalized, it’s incredibly encouraging to know that the legacy of this place may very well live on.
No matter what the next chapter looks like, please know how grateful I am to be part of a community that showed up the way everyone did yesterday. From the bottom of my heart.
Thank you.
Stuart
