Company to focus on quality experiences at Downtown, Fitchburg & East Madison
Date: September 15, 2025
Contact: Jake Miller,jake@sundaypaper.com
MADISON, Wis. — The Great Dane Pub & Brewing Company today announced it will close its Hilldale location on November 8, citing the changing restaurant and retail landscape and falling revenues at the Hilldale Pub .
“This was an incredibly difficult decision,” said Eliot Butler, founder and president. “Hilldale has been part of our story for 19 years and the community means so much to all of us. We’re forever grateful to the team and the guests who made it special. Ultimately, the financial challenges were too much for us to continue operating at Hilldale. While difficult, we’ll focus our energy on two things: Helping our Hilldale staff move forward and strengthening our three other Madison-area pubs.”
The Great Dane will continue to operate its Downtown (flagship), Fitchburg, and East Madison locations. Brewing operations will continue at Downtown and at Fitchburg, and we will continue to serve Great Dane beer at our East Side location. Until its final day, Hilldale will remain open with the goal to maintain normal hours and a full menu and beer lineup.
“We’ve always believed in creating meaningful moments for our community,” Butler said. “That doesn’t change. We’re excited to welcome Hilldale guests to our other pubs and keep doing what we do best: great beer, great food, and genuine hospitality.”
Guests with events scheduled at Hilldale will be contacted this week to relocate their event at another Great Dane location . Gift cards remain valid at all Madison-area pubs and do not expire.
ABOUT THE GREAT DANE
Founded in 1994, The Great Dane Pub & Brewing Company is Madison’s original brewpub. With locations in Downtown Madison, Fitchburg, and East Madison, the company brews award-winning beer and serves a full menu rooted in Wisconsin hospitality. Learn more at greatdanepub.com
Frequently asked questions
Q: Why is Hilldale closing?
A: The restaurant/retail landscape has shifted, and the financial challenges at Hilldale have become too great to continue operating. We’re focusing on delivering great experiences at our Downtown, Fitchburg, and East Madison pubs.
Q: When is the last day?
A: Saturday, November 8th. Until then, we plan to continue our normal hours and full menu/beer list.
Q: Where should we go now?
A: We’d love to see you at one of our other pubs (Downtown, Fitchburg, or East Madison).
Q: Will brewing change?
A: Minimally. While we’ll no longer brew at Hilldale, brewing continues Downtown and at Fitchburg. We will continue serving Great Dane beer from the Downtown and Fitchburg breweries at our East Side pub.
Q: Are gift cards still good?
A: Yes. Gift cards don’t expire and are valid at our other Madison-area pubs.
Q: Have an event booked?
A: We are happy to help you relocate to one of our event spaces at the Downtown, Fitchburg or East Side locations with the same details you have chosen. Our Events team will be contacting you this week, or you are welcome to reach out at events@greatdanepub.com or 608-320-2772.