Lake Bottom Brewery and Distillery's Corcoran flagship location. The family-owned brewery announced its immediate closure Wednesday, citing declining numbers. Photo via Lake Bottom Instagram

Lake Bottom Brewery and Distillery, a restaurant and bar with locations in downtown Visalia and Corcoran, announced on social media its immediate closure Wednesday morning.

It was a financial decision, according to the announcement.

“This was a very difficult decision, but numbers continue to decline.” 

“We would like to wholeheartedly thank our team members and staff for all their hard work and dedication to the Lake Bottom organization,” the post said. “We truly could not have done it without you. We also would like to extend our deepest gratitude to our beloved patrons who made this adventure worthwhile while it lasted. Thank you so much for your support through the years and for the cherished memories we will keep with us forever.”

Lake Bottom Brewery and Distillery is owned by Fred Figueroa Sr., reported the The Corcoran Journal. He founded the business with his sons, Fred Jr. and Jacob Figueroa. Fred Jr. serves as master stiller and Jacob is the head brewer at their locations.

Lake Bottom Brewery and Distillery were partners with Fresno State’s Bulldog Bread Collective, which helps provide Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) opportunities for student athletes. 

The original location opened in Corcoran, California in 2019, and they later expanded to Visalia in 2020. It’s become a popular, family-friendly craft brewery and distillery in Tulare County.

The company’s name, Lake Bottom,  and its mascot, the Great Blue Heron, are a nod to Tulare Lake — the extinct lake that once covered 600 square miles and famously returned during a wet 2023. 

The closure has sparked an outpouring from the community on Facebook. Customers were mourning their favorite menu items — from the “bbq basket and Bavarian pretzel” to “the best tritip sandwiches by far.” 

There’s also debate about the two locations. One user noted the “Corcoran spot was always bomb” while finding the Visalia service “mediocre at best.” Another was heartbroken, saying it was their “favorite restaurant.”

Practical concerns have emerged too, with several customers wondering what to do with recently purchased gift cards, while others noted the sudden closure gave no warning for redeeming them.