Rochester’s Forager Brewery Temporarily Closing Due to COVID-19

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - Another popular eating and drinking establishment in Rochester is temporarily closing as a result of the recent increase in COVID-19 infections in the Rochester area.

Annie Henderson, the owner of the Forager Brewery, made the announcement through a post on Facebook this morning. She indicated one of her part-time staff members has tested positive for the new coronavirus, and out of an abundance of caution and safety the decision was made to close the business for intensive cleaning and to allow other employees to quarantine themselves if needed.

Henderson says their goal is to reopen with takeout and patio dining on July 25th. She noted that this is the first time Foragers has shut down during the pandemic. While the governor's Stay at Home order was in effect, Foragers was able to continue offering takeout dining and Henderson says she was able to keep her 32 full-time employees working.

Dooley's Pub announced last weekend that it was closing for two weeks due to the pandemic. Dooley's has since been linked to an outbreak of COVID-19 among people who visited bars in downtown Rochester in recent weeks where face masks were not worn and/ or safe social distancing recommendations were not followed. Olmsted County Public Health is advising anyone who has visited downtown Rochester bars between June 26th and July 7th to contact their healthcare provider to determine if they should be tested for COVID-19.

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