Gigantic Brewing Hawthorne location sold and closing soon
Gigantic Brewing Company is selling its Hawthorne pub and closing for real this time at 4343 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97215. In November after a building for sale sign went up some news outlets inaccurately reported it was already closing, though they still had an ongoing residency with Machetes and Pizza the Gathering and some time to go without a buyer in sight. It’s a good news bad news situation with the Hawthorne pub now selling and officially closing on January 24th. The brewery says the move puts the company in a stronger position than ever.
“For us, this is actually good news,” said co-owner and Master Brewer Van Havig. “The sale places Gigantic in a very solid financial position, with more than sufficient cash resources as we move into the new year and beyond.”
When the sale is finalized at the end of January, Gigantic will move forward debt-free, allowing the team to focus squarely on what they do best: brewing beer and building small, vibrant bar-room communities. The company’s Brewery Taproom at 5224 SE 26th Avenue and the Robot Room at 6935 NE Glisan Street will continue operating as usual.
“I’m excited to put more time and energy into the events and experiences we’re creating at our brewery taproom,” said co-owner and Brew Master Ben Love. “This January alone we’ve got a record swap, a comic book swap, and pro wrestling on the calendar. The future is looking big for Gigantic.”
Through the final weeks at Hawthorne, Machetes PDX will continue their extended kitchen residency, serving Thursday through Sunday all the way through the last day of service on Saturday, January 24. Guests can enjoy their celebrated Mexico City–style dishes, including signature machetes, shrimp ceviche on chicharrón, pozole verde, tinga cauliflower, carne asada, and more.
The new owners currently operate a popular pub in Sellwood. Havig says, “The purchasers are talking with our current staff who are unfortunately losing shifts as a result of the sale. Change is never easy, but we’re doing everything we can to make this transition as supportive as possible for everyone, and we’re sure that the new business will be a great addition to the Hawthorne neighborhood.”
New School inside sources say the new owner is Smitty’s Taphouse.
Gigantic purchased the building at 4343 SE Hawthorne Boulevard in late 2021, optimistic that Portlanders would soon return to dining and drinking out after the COVID lockdowns. While the landscape has changed, the brewery hopes the transition serves as a reminder of how essential community support is to local hospitality businesses.
“Our favorite bars and restaurants won’t survive without people showing up,” said Havig. “If Portlanders stay home and rely only on takeout for entertainment, the food, beer and wine culture that makes Portland special won’t make it. A vibrant city depends on vibrance in the public sphere.”
With renewed focus and financial stability, Gigantic Brewing Company looks ahead to its next chapter—continuing to brew bold beers, host memorable events, and foster the kind of community that has defined the brand since day one.
