The downtown pub First National Taphouse, known for its extensive beer and cider taplist, Eastern European inspired menu, and engaging weekly events, is closing on June 21. Owner Tom Meeken has operated the popular business for nearly a decade. He politely declined to comment at this time on why he was closing the pub.

As of this writing, the space doesn’t have a future occupant; equipment is being cleared out. There had been inquiries from parties interested in taking over the business, but they couldn’t come to an agreement with the landlord.

Along with an empty storefront, the closure leaves a significant gap for craft beer access in the heart of downtown.

When it first opened in the space that once housed Eugene’s first bank, and under different ownership, First National utilized a gimmicky “stock market” pricing scheme. The idea was that the most popular beers would rise in price, and vice versa, mimicking a supply-demand market. For fans of, say, English bitters and more obscure styles, that meant cheaper beer. While creative, scheme turned out to be pretty irritating and was soon abandoned.

Abandoned, too, was First National’s Portland location, which opened and then suddenly closed without notice to employees, the Eugene location, or the public, within months of opening in 2014.

After Meeken took over, First National became a downtown staple with a rotating taplist, a small but well-stocked bottle selection, and house cocktails. Meeken worked the kitchen, too, turning out classic pub food, pierogies, and more hearty fare.

From personal experience and the reflections of those commenting on the closing announcement, his attitude and presence ingratiated himself and his business to downtown Eugene.

This may not be the last business to disappear here, as downtown businesses continue to be collateral damage of local, state, and national government’s failure to address perennial social welfare issues.