Quick Hits: Schlafly Beer Gets New CEO / Oskar Blues Closes In Colorado Springs

American Craft Beer|January 5th, 2026|

The exterior facade of Oskar Blues Grill & Brew, a restaurant located in a historic orange-brick building in downtown Colorado Springs, with a large branded sign and a blue awning over the patio

(Courtesy Oskar Bluers Fooderies)

The beer biz never sleeps at American Craft Beer. And here’s just some of what’s been happening in the beer world while you’ve been enjoying a long holiday break.

Oskar Blues Closes In Colorado Springs

The year ended sadly for Oskar Blues as another if its operations didn’t survive 2025

Oskar Blues Grill & Brew, the Longmont-based restaurant, craft beer brewer and music venue that expanded its reach in late 2017 into downtown Colorado Springs, has permanently closed, the latest victim of a brutal year for craft beer.

“Closing Oskar Blues is devastating,” Assistant General Manager Jen Nino wrote in an email to The Gazette. “Our team has been the heart of this place; more than a quarter of our staff have been with us since [Day 1], and we are leaving with heavy hearts. We are profoundly grateful to the Colorado Springs community for the support and memories we’ve shared over the past eight years”

With inflationary pressures and a cautious consumer base, dining out is increasingly viewed as a luxury expense,” Nino added. “When families tighten their budgets, eating out is often the first area they cut back on.”

Okar Blues continues to run venues are in Longmont, Lyons and Denver, with production. Its breweries still in operation in both Colorado and North Carolina.

Words to Drink By

“A life spent making mistakes is more useful than a life spent doing nothing” – Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United State, a statesman, diplomat scientist, inventor and writer

James Otoloini standing in front of Schlafly Beer building

(James Otoloini / Schlafly Beer)

Schlafly Beer Gets New CEO

St Louis-based Schlafly Beer, has officially named James “Otto” Ottolini as its new CEO. If the name sounds familiar, that’s because Ottolini has been part of the Schlafly family for more than two decades, working in a wide range of roles during his 24-year run with the company.

Ottolini’s brewing résumé stretches back even further. He’s been involved in nearly every corner of the beer business since 1992 and holds an Executive MBA from Washington University, blending hands-on brewing experience with a strong business background.

David Schlafly, who has served as interim CEO for the past two years, says the timing couldn’t be better….

“Otto has been a part of the Schlafly Beer family for a long time,” Schlafly said. “He has the experience and perspective to build on the success we’ve achieved over the past 34 years. He understands our organization, the challenges facing the industry, and how we can best serve our communities. Our longtime employees really respect him and are excited to see him step into this role.”

Schlafly Beer Chairman Tom Schlafly has also voiced full support for Ottolini’s appointment… “I’ve known Otto since he started with us in 1992,” Tom Schlafly said. “He understands what we’re all about. We don’t compromise on quality, our customers come first, and we’re deeply committed to the St. Louis community. Otto gets that.”