4 Major Retail Closures Hitting Cleveland This February 2026

Here is the breakdown of the major businesses closing their doors in the Greater Cleveland area this February.

1. Working Class Brewery

• The Status: Immediate Permanent Closure
• The Date: February 2, 2026
• The Scoop: In a heartbreaking announcement for the local craft beer scene, Working Class Brewery has poured its final pint. The Kamm's Corners staple (located on Lorain Avenue) officially ceased operations this week after nearly nine years of business.
• Why: Ownership cited a "perfect storm" of economic pressures, noting a 25% drop in revenue post-pandemic followed by another 18% dip over the last year. The closure leaves a significant void in the West Park neighborhood, where the brewery served as a key community hub.

2. Family Dollar

• The Status: Neighborhood "Retail Deserts"
• The Scoop: The national collapse of the Family Dollar brand is hitting Cleveland’s specific neighborhoods harder than almost anywhere else in the state. Following a wave of lease expirations in late 2025, the final liquidation phase is clearing out stores this February.
• The Impact: The confirmed locations going dark include the stores at 16122 Lake Shore Boulevard (Collinwood) and 936 West 25th Street (Ohio City).
• Why It Matters: For residents in these walkable neighborhoods, these aren't just "dollar stores"—they are often the primary source for milk, eggs, and household essentials. Their departure creates immediate gaps in food access for the community.

3. The Flats East Bank (Hospitality Shakeup)

• The Status: Multiple Venue Exits
• The Scoop: The "revolving door" of the Flats East Bank continues to spin. This February marks the first full month without two popular spots: Inferno and Rum Runners.
• The Impact: Both venues shuttered abruptly, citing the volatile costs of operating in the hospitality industry. While the Flats remains a destination, these high-profile vacancies raise questions about the long-term stability of the entertainment district's tenant mix as rent prices in downtown continue to climb.

4. Noodles & Company

• The Status: Suburban Contraction
• The Scoop: As part of a national plan to close 30–35 "underperforming" restaurants in 2026, the fast-casual chain Noodles & Company is scaling back its Northeast Ohio footprint.
• The Impact: Suburban strip malls are the primary target here. While the company hasn't released a full "hit list," diners in the outer ring suburbs (like Strongsville and Mentor) should watch for sudden "Thank You for Your Business" signs on doors this month as the company focuses on its profitable core locations.

February 2026 in Cleveland is a story of "local loss." While national chains like Family Dollar and Noodles & Company are trimming the fat, the loss of Working Class Brewery hurts the most because it was homegrown. It serves as a stark reminder that even in a city loyal to its local businesses, rising operational costs are becoming an insurmountable wall for independent owners.