Oro Brewing & Vice Co. has announced its imminent closure on its site, with owner Dave Valencia thanking all his patrons, writing, “To all our friends, than you for an amazing nine years!! As hard as it is to print this, we will be closing our doors on January 26, 2026.”
All is not, lost, however. A trio of local restaurateurs are taking over the space, with a pledge to continue supplying great beer to the community.
Phoenix New Times reports that Armando Hernandez and Nadia Holguin (Tacos Chiwas, Cocina Chiwas, and Aruma Cafe); along with their their partner on Espiritu and Main Burger, Roberto Centeno, will take over the space to open Mesa Brewing Co.
Armando Hernandez tells What Now Phoenix the says the turnaround will happen quickly, with an anticipated spring 2026 opening at 210 W. Main Street.
The restaurateurs will “tap” the brewing expertise of Cider Corps and brewer Drew Ortego to oversee the beer making process. The current seven-barrel system will be utilized to make three or four core beers — but the real creativity starts with the specialty beers they’ll make, utilizing local grains and heirloom corn. Hernandez says he and brewmaster Ortega plan on working with hibiscus, pink corn, blue corn, and other specialty ingredients to produce some exceptional small batch beers. “There’s something so special about producing something unique to us. IT’s frring when you’re able to do things that are fun.”
Hernandez said the brewery will become a crucial part of the fabric of his team’s culinary operations. “All of our other concepts are better because of it.”
Hernandez, Holguin, and Centeno are becoming major forces in the Phoenix dining scene. Just recently, Tacos Chiwas, opened a location at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, and it looks like the restaurateurs are continuing to expand their culinary portfolio with new and innovative concepts.
