Seattle Craft Beer Acquisition: Fremont Brewing Joins Forces with Pike Brewing
Seattle Hospitality Group (SHG) has recently announced an exciting development in the Seattle craft beer scene. SHG acquired a definitive controlling interest in Fremont Brewing, bringing together two iconic Seattle breweries under its umbrella. This move follows the 2021 acquisition of Pike Brewing by SHG. Despite this change, Fremont Brewing will continue its operations without interruption or noticeable changes, much like Pike Brewing did three years ago.
What This Seattle Brewery Merger Means
The most significant impact of this acquisition is that Fremont Brewing will now have access to ample resources and support to accelerate its growth plans. By combining their resources and expertise, Pike Brewing and Fremont Brewing aim to continue pushing the boundaries of local craft beer excellence. This Seattle brewery merger represents a unification of passion and tradition in the brewing industry.
Pike Brewing Legacy Meets Fremont’s Vision
Pike Brewing’s beers will be preserved as distinct products within Fremont Brewing’s offerings, ensuring that both brands maintain their unique identities and product assortments. It’s worth noting that in terms of production volume, Fremont Brewing is nearly ten times larger than Pike Brewing, producing approximately 50,000 barrels annually compared to Pike’s 5,000 barrels annually. Both brewing facilities will remain operational, and no staffing changes are planned.
| Aspect | Fremont Brewing | Pike Brewing |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Production | 50,000 barrels | 5,000 barrels |
| Brand Identity | Maintained | Maintained |
| Staffing Changes | None Planned | None Planned |
Statements from Key Players
Charles Finkel, the founder of Pike Brewing, expressed his enthusiasm about joining Fremont Brewing. “This move allows us to continue our tradition of crafting exceptional beer while embracing new possibilities for increased distribution, growth, and innovation,” he said. “Together, we’ll honor the spirit of Seattle’s brewing heritage while charting a course for a dynamic and vibrant future.”
Matt Lincecum, owner of Fremont Brewing, shared his excitement about the collaboration. “We are excited to embark on this journey with Seattle Hospitality Group and Pike Brewing. Charles and Rose Ann built Pike into a legendary brewery, and we look forward to honoring and building upon their legacy,” Lincecum noted. He emphasized that both breweries share a deep-rooted passion for brewing exceptional beer and fostering meaningful connections within the local community.
Seattle Hospitality Group’s Vision
Howard Wright, the founder and chair of Seattle Hospitality Group, stated, “We founded Seattle Hospitality Group in 2002 with the mission to invest in iconic Pacific Northwest brands, and our acquisition of Fremont Brewing is a continuation of this long-term vision. We are excited by this opportunity to invest in a Seattle company that shares our passion for culture and vision for growth.”
The Future of Seattle’s Craft Beer Scene
With the Seattle Hospitality Group’s growing portfolio, which now includes Ethan Stowell Restaurants, Kenmore Air, Pike Brewing, Fremont Brewing, and other notable local companies, the future looks bright. SHG is also affiliated with several other iconic Seattle landmarks, such as the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Sheraton Grand Seattle, Cedarbrook Lodge, and Semiahmoo Resort.
The union of Fremont Brewing and Pike Brewing under Seattle Hospitality Group heralds a new era of collaboration and innovation in Seattle’s craft beer industry. By leveraging their combined strengths, these breweries are poised to enhance their legacy and continue delivering exceptional brews to beer enthusiasts far and wide.
