Haymarket Brewing Announces Co-Founder Pete Crowley Stepping Down from Brewery Operations

After 14 years as co-founder and director of fermentation, Crowley to pursue brewery consultation in Michigan. Brewery operations to continue in Illinois and Michigan under existing leadership. 

(Chicago, Ill.) Haymarket Brewing Company announced today that Co-founder Pete Crowley will be stepping down from his role effective September 30, 2024. Crowley started the brewery with partner John Neurauter in Chicago’s West Loop in 2010, and has since expanded to a second brewery in Bridgman, Mich., and distribution across Illinois and Michigan. The company will continue all operations under remaining leadership. 

“We are forever grateful to Pete for his 15 years of hard work, dedication and friendship as we built Haymarket Brewing into the historic brand it is today. His expertise, vision and the exceptional mastery of his craft were the foundational blocks of our company and have been driving forces behind our success. We are incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved,” said Neurauter. “As Pete moves on to his next endeavor, we will carry on his legacy, ensuring Haymarket Brewing continues to thrive and make great beer for great beer drinkers for years to come.”

Crowley and Neurauter, who met at Rock Bottom Brewery, formerly in Chicago’s River North, originally sketched the idea for their own brewery on a cocktail napkin. From there, they crafted a plan to pair Neurauter’s sausage making hobby with Crowley’s craft brewing prowess for the business dream that would become Haymarket just three years later.

“It has been an amazing 15 years across two states creating and enjoying delicious craft beer and food. While this is a heavy decision and pulls at my heart, I know Haymarket will continue making great beer and food for its ever-growing fanbase,” said Crowley. “This is not a breakup but rather a family member moving on to other opportunities while watching his co-brainchild continue its legacy as an amazing brand and experience.”

Since opening its original brewhouse in December 2010 in Chicago’s West Loop at Halsted St. and Randolph St. – near the site of the world famous Haymarket Affair of 1886 – Haymarket has grown to include a brewery and taproom in Bridgman, Mich., distribution across northern Illinois and southern Michigan, and now more than 30 different beers brewed each year, under Head Brewer Mark Poffenberger. 

“I’m amazed to look back at how the past 20 plus years of working together has passed in a blink of an eye, yet the long hours and hard work have built a brand that will live on forever,” said Haymarket’s Co-owner Chris McCoy who also worked alongside Crowley at Rock Bottom Brewery. “I look forward to what my partner and lifetime friend has up his sleeve for his future endeavors, and I’m excited to watch the strength of our core staff and restructured partnership carry our great brand into the future.”

Since announcing his departure, Crowley has been working hand-in-hand with Haymarket leadership to ensure a smooth transition and that the brewery remains a staple in the Illinois and Michigan craft beer communities. Brewing at both Chicago and Bridgman locations will remain under the leadership of Poffenberger. Food operations will remain under the leadership of Faustino Marungo in Chicago and Vince Spina in Bridgman.

"As we bid a very fond farewell to Pete, we also want to acknowledge the Haymarket team that he helped build over these many years. The remarkable group that we're privileged to continue to work with has been the driving force of our success,” said Haymarket’s Co-Owner Mike Gemma. “They've consistently delivered the quality beers, food and experiences that our customers have grown to love and expect from Haymarket. That piece of Pete's dream isn't changing and is a true testament to the legacy he leaves with this brewery."

Haymarket will be celebrating Crowley’s achievements and the brewery’s vision for the future with a party in its Chicago brewhouse on a to-be-announced date this fall. The event will be open to the public. 

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