Anchor Brewing, a beloved 127-year-old brewery in San Francisco, closed last year, much to the dismay of its workers and San Franciscans. The historic brewery was a staple for San Francisco, with legendary craft beers and the taproom regularly drawing crowds to enjoy their local brews.
There was news of its closure last year, with the last beers being poured on August 1, 2023. There were hopes of the brewery employees purchasing the brewery as news of the closure came, although their attempts were unsuccessful. Now, less than a year later, Chobani founder Hamdi Ulukaya has bought the iconic SF brewery.
Ulukaya issued a statement Friday announcing the purchase: “I have fallen in love with this city, its history, grit and charm. I believe brands born in places like this are incredibly special and must be treasured, respected and loved” he said according to the Associated Press. Ulukaya founded Chobani, the wildly success yogurt company, in 2005 and is a well-known philanthropist and businessman.
Anchor closed last year, citing low sales after scaling back their distribution. The news of its closure was heartbreaking to San Francisco, as the beer had become a staple in SF culture.
Anchor brewing was first started back in 1871 by Gottlieb Brekle, although the Anchor name wasn’t coined until 25 years later when the brewery was purchased. This isn’t the first time Anchor has closed its doors; in 1959, the brewery shut off its taps before opening again in 1960. It’s also changed owners over the years; most recently, it was purchased by Sapporo Beer.
They are often credited as major pioneers in the craft beer movement and are particularly well known for their steam beer. Details about Anchor’s future have yet to be released, but in the past, the brewery offered tours and had a public taproom that opened in 2017.