Welcome to today’s episode, where we delve into the unfortunate closure of Aristotle Spirits, a distillery in Garner. After falling behind on rent and struggling with mounting debts, owner Jake Howland has been locked out of his business. He hadn't paid his $7,500 monthly rent for the last seven months, leading to significant financial troubles.

Howland initially filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2023, holding a hefty SBA loan of over $530,000. Although he managed to keep the distillery open during bankruptcy proceedings, Howland noted a decrease in revenue, attributing this decline to changing consumer habits. “Selling liquor in North Carolina is an uphill climb," he remarked, highlighting the tough regulatory landscape.

As the landlord, CityPlat, seeks a new tenant for the distillery space, they're focused on revitalizing downtown Garner. “We would love to find a tenant to come in and take the space,” said CityPlat principal Vincenzo Verdino, envisioning a collaborative environment with neighboring businesses.

Howland expressed gratitude for his loyal customers, stating, “They were the lifeblood of the place.” Unfortunately, too many factors worked against him. Join us next time as we continue to explore the evolving landscape of local businesses.
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