Editor’s note: The below news items were initially reported in the Insider version of the Brewbound Newsletter between July 24-July 25. Become an Insider today to get earlier access to what’s going on in the industry.
Fenway Park Concessions Workers Strike
Concessions workers at Boston’s Fenway Park have gone on strike and their union, Unite Here Local 26, is asking spectators not to purchase food or drinks while attending Red Sox games.
The union and Aramark, which manages concessions at Fenway Park, “have been locked in negotiations for more than six months without reaching an agreement,” the Boston Globe reported. Workers are seeking raises and “limits on automated checkout machines they say threaten their jobs and tips.”
The least expensive beer option at Fenway Park, the oldest ballpark in America, cost $10.79 this season, according to WebstaurantStore.com. The Red Sox host the Los Angeles Dodgers for a three-game series this weekend.
Earlier this month, Boston Beer renewed its Samuel Adams brand’s sponsorship as the official beer of the Red Sox for another decade.
Real American Beer Co-Founder Hulk Hogan Dead at 71
Professional wrestler-turned-beer-entrepreneur Hulk Hogan (nee Terry Bollea) died Thursday at age 71 after emergency medical technicians responded to a report of cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, FL.
Last year, Hogan launched Real American Beer, a contract-produced 4.3% ABV light lager. Company CEO Terri Francis told Brewbound at the time Hogan was the brand’s “majority owner.” The beer’s proposition at launch was to offer a product for all Americans, a statement soaked in subtext after conservatives boycotted Bud Light when they felt the brand diverged from their beliefs when it partnered with a transgender influencer in 2023.
Real American Beer shared a statement on social media: “He said he believed that Real American Beer and its message to America could leave an even bigger legacy than his wrestling career. It’s a simple message and it’s written on the can: ‘America’s at its best when united.’”
Real American Beer has heavily tied its marketing to pro-America and pro-Donald Trump messaging. Hogan endorsed President Trump and spoke at the 2024 Republican National Convention, one month after the beer’s Fourth of July launch.
Earlier this month, Real American Beer came under fire, as a lawsuit from its executives’ former colleagues claimed they stole the concept and Hogan’s participation from the branding house where it was conceived.
Karl Strauss to Distribute Brewery X in San Diego
Brewery X (Anaheim,CA) has signed on with Karl Strauss Distribution (KSD) to distribute the craft brewery’s offerings in San Diego County.
KSD is the distribution arm of Karl Strauss Brewing (San Diego), launching in 2018. With the addition of Brewery X, KSD’s portfolio now includes 14 brands: Karl Strauss, Black Plague Brewing, Booze Brothers Brewing, Laguna Beer, Fieldwork Brewing, Bay City Brewing, Hodad’s Brewing, Creature Comforts Brewing, Knotty Brewing, Owl Farm Unique Fermentations, Newtopia Cyder, Bambucha Hard Kombucha and Melograno Craft Cocktails.
Brewery X chief brewing officer Trevor Walls said in a press release: “Most of our team cut their teeth in craft beer for legacy brands like Pizza Port, Ballast Point, and Stone. I think a lot of the current beer industry doesn’t know about our San Diego roots, but once we tell our story to local beer folks, they tend to perk up a bit and seem more receptive to our brand, beer, and goals.”
Red Clay Ciderworks to Close Charlotte Facility After 10 Years
Red Clay Ciderworks – the first cidery to operate in Charlotte, NC – is on the hunt for a new home.
The building Red Clay has operated out for a decade has been sold, and “it will not be financially possible” for the cidery to stay, the company announced on social media Tuesday.
Red Clay will cease operations at its Lower South End taproom next month, coinciding with the end of its lease, and production will move to a “another NC cidery” to avoid disruptions in retail stock and sales.
The company added: “In addition, we are seeking a new taproom only space here in Charlotte. As soon as we have more details on that, we will let you all know.”