Sequoia Brewing Company announces sudden closure of all locations

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A celebration for Sequoia Brewing Company.

After 35 years, the brewery, known for its popular beers, closed its three locations in the Tower District, northeast Fresno and Visalia on Sunday.

There was a party filled with lots of emotions at the Tower location.

"My two babies, who are now adults and have their own babies, they would sit at a table right here every Saturday and have dinner," said Laura Anderson.

Anderson's husband has been performing at the brewery for at least the last 20 years. She said Sequoia Brewing has given her family a lifetime's worth of memories.

"They welcome you, they love you. They bring you in, you are a part of a family," said Anderson.

For 27 years, Eric Buterbaugh worked at Sequoia Brewing. He said he's going to miss the people who come through the doors and sit at the bar, also known as "The Log."

"It's a community where everybody's accepting of everybody else. At this bar, it highlights that."

The three locations employ roughly 80 people. All of them will now be without work.

But the sorrow doesn't stop with current employees at the brewery.

Kandise Mason started working at Sequoia Brewing in 2008. She said the brewery is more than just a bar. She says she's met friends that have turned into family.

For news updates, follow Vince Ybarra on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.