The Avondale Brewing tap room. We assume it’s usually a little busier than this.
Like many aging, competitive markets, consolidation continues to trend in the craft brewing industry. Not just from megabrewers, but small regionalized breweries are buying each other and banding together to grow and diversify. Take the joint partnership between Victory Brewing Co. and Southern Tier Brewing Co. for instance — called Artisanal Brewing Ventures — an alliance that created one of the largest brewers in the Northeast. On a smaller lever, we have examples like Odin Brewing Co., of Tukwila, Wash., acquiring Hilliard’s Beer of Seattle and Wisconsin-based Sand Creek Brewing Co. buying Furthermore Brewing Co. and Cross Plains Brewing Co. — both transactions happening last year.
In that vein, yesterday Good People Brewing Co. announced that it had purchased the brewery and assets of Avondale Brewing Co., and this is actually the second time in four days that Avondale has announced it’s been sold. Last Friday, a development company called Orchestra Partners purchased a big lot of east Birmingham properties and businesses, including Avondale Brewing. We’re happy the property has ended up in another indie brewer’s hands. From the press release:
“We’ve always really admired Avondale Brewing Company and what it has done for Birmingham and the culture of this city,” said Michael Sellers, co-owner and founder of Good People Brewing. “We look forward to continuing to brew great beer in the city of Birmingham and bring that beer across the Southeast. We wish the Lake brothers the best of luck on their new ventures.”
The purpose of this new venture was to combine the strengths of both organizations. By combining forces and becoming more collaborative, the local beer community will see more quality offerings and innovative brews.
According to the statement: The name and location of the brewery will remain the same, and “guests and fans will continue to see the same faces they’ve seen at Avondale Brewing over the years.” All events and performances already scheduled will be maintained.
If you’re unfamiliar, here’s a quick bio of each brewery:
Avondale Brewing Co., located at 201 41st Ave Street South, was founded in 2011. Known for a wide selection of craft beers and offerings from The Sour Room, the brewery produces 6,000 barrels per year. Avondale has hosted such acts ranging from The Wailers to Gov’t Mule to Yelawolf in their outdoor venue. Good People Brewing Co., located in Birmingham, Ala., is a leader in the South’s craft beer movement. Founded in 2008, it was the first craft brewery in the Southeast to can its beers.
