In a press release, Anchor Brewing spokesman Sam Singer said economic pressures made the business « no longer sustainable » and employees were given 60 days’ notice Wednesday. In June, Anchor Brewing limited distribution to California and is phasing out one of its most popular beers.
« The inflationary impact of production costs in San Francisco is a factor, » Singer told SFGATE at the time. “Couple with the highly competitive craft beer market and historically expensive steam brewing technology. [They’ve] I may have been thinking about this decision for a year. This they did not take for granted.
On Wednesday, Singer reiterated the economic conditions at play.
« This is a very difficult decision, which Anchor has made after months of careful review, » he said in a statement. « We recognize Anchor’s importance and historical importance to San Francisco and the craft brewing industry, but the impacts of the pandemic, inflation, particularly in San Francisco, and a highly competitive market have left us with no choice but to make this sad decision to cease operations. »
Anchor was founded in 1896 and advertises itself as America’s first craft brewery. It was sold to Sapporo in 2017.
The company plans to « offer replacement support and separation packages » to departing employees, and the Anchor Public Taps taproom on De Haro Street will remain open temporarily to sell remaining inventory, according to a press release Wednesday. Brewing has stopped, but the beer package and distribution will continue through the end of July, the brewery says.
Anchor Brewing said on Wednesday that last year’s efforts to find a buyer were unsuccessful, but one may emerge during the liquidation process.
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