By Kolby R. LaMarche

Simple Roots Brewing in the New North End is closing after nine years. Owners Dan Ukolowicz and Kara Pawlusiak announced the decision, saying it was not easy. Located at 1127 North Ave., Simple Roots opened in 2016 and became a popular spot for locals to meet and enjoy craft beer.

In their message, Dan and Kara expressed gratitude for their regulars, stating, “We are incredibly grateful to have been part of the VT brewing community but more importantly the New North End and to have served you for 9 wonderful years.” They noted that customer loyalty helped make the brewery a place for connection and good times. The business started with Dan’s 15 years of homebrewing experience, focusing on straightforward, quality beers that people enjoyed.

The brewery will stay open with normal hours for now, and they will announce the final closing date soon. They plan to hold a farewell event on Saturday, October 11, with more details to follow. “From the bottom of our hearts — thank you for being part of our journey,” they said.

Simple Roots served beers like Good Neighbor IPA, Fireside Red Ale, and a cream ale, which were sold in stores across Burlington, Winooski, Essex, South Burlington, Richmond, and Waterbury. Customers reportedly liked their beers for their simple, balanced flavors. 

Democrat City Councilor Evan Litwin, representing the NNE, thanked Dan and Kara for their service to the community and expressed his disappointment in losing the establishment. 

Litwin further warned of challenges on the horizon for businesses and the city, saying “Now more than ever our business community needs us to step up for them so they can be there for us…our gross receipts will suffer when we start pulling the numbers ahead of FY27 if we don’t start some innovative efforts to turn things around.”