CraftWorks Restaurants and Breweries confirmed Wednesday that the Cleveland ChopHouse & Brewery, which has operated since 1998 in Cleveland's popular Warehouse District, will close permanently after Dec. 31. It is one of the longest-tenured brewpubs in Northeast Ohio.

“We have greatly appreciated the dedication of our Cleveland employees and would like to thank our loyal guests for their patronage over the years,” CraftWorks President and Chief Executive Officer Allen Corey said in a prepared statement.

A news release issued by the company provided no explanation for the closure. A spokeswoman said the lease was up and the company opted not to renew it.

 Patrons are invited to visit the ChopHouse on New Year’s Eve to bid farewell to the restaurant on its final day of operation. Reservations can be made by calling 216-623-0909 or online at www.clevelandchophouse.com.

CraftWorks, based in Chattanooga, Tenn., operates other ChopHouse locations in Denver, Boulder and Washington, D.C. The company also owns the Gordon Biersch, Rock Bottom and Old Chicago restaurant brands.