Riley's Brew Pub in Clovis in this Google Street View image

Riley’s Brew Pub, serving up locally made beer since 2016, is closed for business effective Monday, according to its website and social media posts.

Mike Shirinian, owner of the Elbow Room, is among the owners of Riley’s Brew Pub, named for the Riley’s craft beer it serves from Madera.

“We are sincerely grateful for your patronage and the good times we shared — which honestly felt like a big family celebration,” according to a Riley’s Brew Pub Facebook post.

Riley’s is located near Alluvial and Temperance avenues in Clovis, just north of Highway 168 in the former Clovis Hofbrau location.

When reached for an interview Monday, Shirinian said hopes were that increased development in the area would drive customers to the restaurant.

“Alluvial/Owens Mountain Parkway was going to be built within a couple of years all the way to Harlan Ranch,” he said. “That would trigger development all the way down there, both residential and also commercial development.

Shirinian also expected several hotels to be built near the location.

“I think perhaps there’s expectation that developers may do it eventually,” Shirinian said. “That was considered really central to us taking the location.”

Shirinian said that right now, the goal is to make things right with their displaced staff of about 20.

“It’s heartbreaking,” Shirinian said. “When you put your heart and soul into it and you’re involved in the community, it has a much greater proportion. This involved our staff, their lives, the customers. This was not an easy decision.”

Riley’s Brew Pub gift cards will be honored at the Elbow Room in Fresno’s Fig Garden Village.

Commenters on social media expressed surprise about the closure. One person said “that is the shortest notice I have ever seen on a restaurant closure.” Another said: “That BLOWS! We love the food here! What happened? You survived COVID and a fire… Now you just shut down at a moments notice?”

Riley’s Brew Pub served beers made by Madera-based Riley’s Brewing Co. The comment about a fire likely refers to an incident where Riley’s Madera production facility was burned to the ground in July 2022.

News broke in June of this year that owner Dan Riley planned to open a new brewery, restaurant and taproom at Madera’s Riverstone Community.