Beloved local brewery in North Hollywood hits rough patch, seeks investors

An always bustling neighborhood hotspot, Lawless Brewery in North Hollywood, reached out to its community earlier this week over social media and, as real friends do, admitted that things are not great.

KTLA regulars might recognize Lawless Brewery since it was featured on " L.A. Unscripted " in Sept. 2021.

"As soon as I started brewing about 10 years ago, I think I was on batch two when I decided this is what I wanted to spend the rest of my life doing," owner Ben Wallace told KTLA's Doug Kolk during the episode.

Now, three and a half years after making that dream a reality, and creating a vibrant family and dog friendly local where people come to drink great craft beers, meet old and make new friends, Wallace shared on Instagram the post-pandemic situation he and his employees are in.

"The reality is Lawless can longer survive without significant help," he wrote in a Nov. 11 post. "When we first opened, we took on a large loan to make Lawless a reality. But then came the pandemic – just one week after we got the final permits to brew and serve beer."

He added that the beer brewing business has never been the same since.

"We need to raise capital," he continued. "But instead of going the crowdfunding route (which we know would be tough for many of you right now), we're asking for a different kind of support. We're looking for investors – people who understand the value of community, who are willing to come alongside us as co-owners."

The brewery owner said he is confident that if Lawless can clear its financial burden, the beloved North Hollywood spot can thrive as a profitable business.

In an email to KTLA, Wallace said he's been "overwhelmed and overjoyed with the flood of support" Lawless received after making the honest plea over social media.

What happens next for the large, two-level warehouse style brewery tucked away at 5275 Craner Ave. in North Hollywood, is unknown, but it's clear that the community Wallace and others built around great beer is hoping for a frothy, hoppy success.

Full disclosure, this writer, as well as KTLA Assignment Editor Luis Zuniga who contributed to this report, enjoys kicking back at Lawless and sampling their beers.

Not gonna lie, I even have a hat.