Keg Dispute in Texas Raises Broader Industry Questions

Keg Dispute in Texas Raises Broader Industry Questions

After Silver Eagle Distributors increased its keg deposit price by 20 percent, a number of Houston-area retailers, alleging they were never warned of the new pricing structure, banded together to boycott the prominent Texas wholesaler.

Figueroa Mountain Brewing Opens Fifth Taproom

Figueroa Mountain Brewing Opens Fifth Taproom

Fast-growing Central California craft brewery Figueroa Mountain Brewing today announced the opening of its latest brewery taproom, located in Arroyo Grande, Calif. The company took over a former Applebee’s location, remodeling the restaurant to include a 15-barrel brewhouse and seating for 200. “We are honored to be part of the Arroyo Grande community as the… Read more »

BA Survey Showcases Operations at Varying Stages of Brewery Growth

BA Survey Showcases Operations at Varying Stages of Brewery Growth

In an effort to measure the operations of America’s craft breweries, the Brewers Association – which represents the interests of small and independent U.S. brewers – recently published the results of its annual “Brewery Operations Benchmarking Survey.” This year’s review, based on 2014 operations, featured responses from 310 unique breweries in 46 states, all of which responded to questions in the areas of human resources, sales & marketing, brewing and financial operations.

Last Call: Deschutes Eyes East Coast; Durango Sells Stake

Last Call: Deschutes Eyes East Coast; Durango Sells Stake

Deschutes Brewery has hired a new director of brewing operations who, among other things, will be tasked with assisting in the design, installation and launch of the brewery’s planned east coast facility. Karl Ockert, the industry executive who will fill the role effective August 3, discussed the company’s East Coast plans with Bend Bulletin’s resident beer business insider, Joseph Ditzler.

Central California Beer Distributor Sold

Central California Beer Distributor Sold

Two California beer distributors are growing their portfolios via acquisition. DBI Beverage Inc. and Valley Wide Beverage Company have expanded their operations in Central California with the joint purchase of assets from Ceres-based Cencal Beverage Co., LLC., the two companies announced in a statement.

Brew Talks Travels to Michigan on July 21

Brew Talks Travels to Michigan on July 21

Brewbound is pleased to announce that Brew Talks – a traveling meetup for beer industry professionals – will make its next stop at Founders Brewing Company in Grand Rapids, Mich. on July 21. Local brewers, distributors and retailers are invited to join the Michigan meetup, being held inside of the brewery’s Centennial Room (235 Grandville Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503), at 5:00 P.M. on Tuesday July 21.

FDA Extends Menu Labeling Compliance Date

FDA Extends Menu Labeling Compliance Date

Chain restaurants now have another year before they must comply with new federal regulations that require the disclosure of caloric value and supplementary health criteria of beer, as well as other food and drinks, sold on-premise.

Notch Brewing Secures First Brewery Location in Salem

Notch Brewing Secures First Brewery Location in Salem

At last, Notch Brewing founder Chris Lohring will have his very own brewery. Lohring, who launched the session-minded Notch as a contract craft brand in 2010, today signed a lease for a 6,000 sq. ft. research & development facility on the outskirts of Boston.

Knee Deep Founder Leaves to Start New Venture

Knee Deep Founder Leaves to Start New Venture

Five years after imagining the company’s first beers with a homebrew kit in his garage, Knee Deep Brewing co-owner Jeremy Warren will depart the company he founded — and tattooed on his arm — to launch an entirely new brewery. After announcing his “separation” plans on Facebook, Warren confirmed to Brewbound that he is selling his stake in the company to current CEO and majority owner Jerry Moore. Upon completion of the transaction, Moore will wholly own Knee Deep, the pair said.

Following Ambitious Opening, Lord Hobo Looks Ahead

Following Ambitious Opening, Lord Hobo Looks Ahead

When Lord Hobo Brewing opened a 47,000 sq. ft. facility with initial capacity to produce 20,000 barrels annually, The Boston Herald called the launch “likely the largest craft brewery opening in New England history.” The company, which opened last month, has the production goals to match. Located in Woburn, Mass., Lord Hobo is hoping to introduce 10,000 barrels of beer to drinkers in the Bay State and beyond by the end of its first year in business.

Locked In: Sales of Kona Big Wave Up 66 Percent

Locked In: Sales of Kona Big Wave Up 66 Percent

The opportunity to deploy a good pun never escapes the folks over at Craft Brew Alliance. A “swelling” number of beer drinkers are purchasing the company’s Hawaiian-themed session brand, Kona Big Wave, according to a press release. Citing recent IRI data, CBA said that annual Big Wave Golden Ale sales are up 66 percent – or as the company also put it: “four times the growth rate of the entire craft beer category.”

Golden Road’s Meg Gill Dishes on Next Phases of Growth

Golden Road’s Meg Gill Dishes on Next Phases of Growth

When Golden Road Brewing co-founders Meg Gill and Tony Yanow wrote their first business plan, initial forecasts called for 60,000 barrels of beer by year five. Now, midway through its fourth full year, the brewery is on pace to sell 45,000 barrels, and it will likely exceed the 60,000 barrel threshold in 2016, Gill told Brewbound. So, with the expiration date on its first five-year plan just 18 months away, we checked in on the company’s plans the next phase of growth.

Last Call: Maui to Open Restaurant; 5 Rabbit ‘Dumps Trump’

Last Call: Maui to Open Restaurant; 5 Rabbit ‘Dumps Trump’

What’s a cheeseburger in paradise without a beer? Maui Brewing, in its plans to open its first Oahu location next fall, is set to take over the space currently occupied by Jimmy Buffett’s at the Beachcomber, reports the Star Advertiser.

Deschutes Changes Bay Area Distributor

Deschutes Changes Bay Area Distributor

Deschutes Brewery today announced it has signed new distribution agreements with Horizon Beverage Company and Markstein Sales Company, for coverage throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.