After a near 7 year run, Crystal Ball Brewing announces the last beer has been poured

Correction: An earlier version of this article misstated the closing date of Crystal Ball Brewing as Saturday, Feb. 1. Both Crystal Ball locations closed on Saturday, Jan., 25, 2020. 

After a near 7-year run, Crystal Ball Brewing is closed its doors. 

"It is time for the next steps and new chapters for all of us," co-owner Jesse De Salvo said.

The brewery, which opened its West York location in May 2013 and was founded by De Salvo, Ashley Garvick and Ryan Johnstonbaugh, started primarily as a production brewery. At its height, Crystal Ball was distributing products in 30 counties and has continued to sell products in 14 counties over the last few months. However, the brewery has had recent difficulties competing with the larger manufacturers such as InBev and Anheuser-Busch, according to De Salvo.

"We opened under the model of a production brewery, and we wanted to wholesale around the state, and we did that successfully for a long time," De Salvo said. 

In February 2018, Crystal Ball opened a taproom, affectionately known as #CBBCity, in the former Weinbrom Jewelers building in downtown York.

Both the West York operations facility and the downtown York taproom at 21 S. Beaver St. have closed. The tasting room had its final service on Saturday, Jan. 25. 

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"Things are 100 percent not how they were when we opened. ... We didn't go into this thing thinking we were going to be out in five years, but things change," he said. "It is a David and Goliath sort of thing, and we're definitely David. And big beer is Goliath and things are different." 

De Salvo provided the following statement regarding the brewery's closure: 

With resolve, I announce that the brewers of Crystal Ball Brewing Company have brewed their final beer, effective immediately.  

Involvement in CBBC has allowed for meeting and working with thousands of great people, many of whom are considered friends to this day.  The relationships that have been built are the greatest reward one could've received from this experience. 

Specifically as it relates to York City Six collaborators and brethren, thanks be to Mudhook Brewing Company, Liquid Hero Brewery, Collusion Tap Works, Gift Horse Brewing Company, and Old Forge Brewing Company for being supportive and dependable all these years; special mention to Mudhook for paving the way downtown one decade ago. 

To the staff, performers, vendors, and Ballers of CBBC locations, your time, talents, support, and/or patronage has, and will remain, very much appreciated and remembered. 

When asked about the conclusion of Crystal Ball Brewing Company, the answer will be simple: "New chapters await. Stay tuned.

Please continue to Seek the Finest.

Best, 

Jesse De Salvo, formerly of Crystal Ball Brewing Company

DeSalvo noted he and his partners have dissolved Crystal Ball Brewing and do not have any current plans to re-open or relocate the brewery. 

TRUE Commercial Real Estate is brokering the space for lease, but no announcement on a future tenant has been made. 

Neil Strebig is the food & drink reporter for the York Daily Record and curator for the York on the Move newsletter. He can be reached at nstrebig@ydr.com, 717-825-6582 or via Twitter @neilStrebig. 

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