S2 E29 Justin Frazell | Is The Sky Really Falling?

S2 E29 Is The Sky Really Falling?

Bob Cutler and Justin Frezell dive into the changing landscape of Maine’s craft beverage and restaurant industry, tackling everything from bar closures to shifting drinking habits and the impact of the economy on local businesses. They discuss how breweries are struggling to maintain momentum, how younger drinkers are spending more on premium products but consuming less overall, and why restaurants are seeing smaller group reservations. The key takeaway? Support what you love—whether it's your local wine shop, craft brewery, or favorite bar. Positive word-of-mouth and online reviews matter and can help keep businesses thriving.

Key Topics

• Why Maine’s Restaurant & Bar Scene is Shrinking: A breakdown of economic pressures, shifting demographics, and consumer behavior impacting the industry.

• Craft Beer’s Challenges in 2025: How saturation, competition, and changing consumer preferences are reshaping Maine’s once-thriving craft beer scene.

• The Role of Customer Support & Advocacy: Why leaving positive reviews, recommending businesses, and word-of-mouth marketing are crucial for survival in today’s industry.

Episode Index

• (1:00) – The Struggles of the Industry: Restaurants and bars are closing at a rapid rate, with Facebook comment sections full of blame—but the reality is far more complex.

• (9:20) – Maine’s Brewery Boom is Slowing: The state once had the most breweries per capita, but now overexpansion, changing drinking habits, and market saturation are taking a toll.

• (10:47) – The Rise of Selective Drinking: Younger generations drink less but spend more on premium options, driving demand for high-quality wines, spirits, and cocktails.

• (17:08) – The Power of Shared Experiences: People don’t remember a soda they had, but they remember a great bottle of wine shared over a memorable dinner with friends.

• (25:30) – Advocacy Keeps Businesses Alive: If you love a bar, restaurant, or brand, talk about it! Positive reviews and word-of-mouth help keep these businesses thriving in an increasingly tough market.