Pretty sure that’s Paul Casey on the right.
As of June 1, French Broad Brewing Co. is under new ownership. Paul Casey and his wife Sarah, from Chapel Hill, N.C., finalized the purchase of the French Broad yesterday. French Broad is considered one of the oldest breweries in the Asheville area and is recognized as a pioneer that helped establish the craft beer culture in the local market. They are best known for their Gateway Kölsch, 13 Rebels ESB and Wee Heavy-er Scotch Style Ale. The Caseys see the opportunity to return to growth, further mature the brand and re-engage the beer community in Asheville and across the state.
“We are excited about the opportunity to be a part of the French Broad story. It has a history with the Asheville community and with the beer industry at large,” said Paul Casey, entrepreneur and French Broad owner. “French Broad was once considered a pioneer and innovator, and we want to return to that position and re-engage the community. I am honored to take this brand to the next level and maximize its potential.”
With the same team in place that currently manages French Broad, the Caseys plan to renovate and expand the existing tap room while continuing to meet on- and off-premise demand. Casey would like to invest in producing more seasonals and one-off brews in an effort to stay relevant and increase demand.
“French Broad is one of our area’s legacy brewers and one of the founding members of the Asheville Brewers Alliance. They are a vital part of our community and with new ownership, they will continue to honor their heritage and also be in a better position to expand with the craft brewing scene,” said Kendra Penland, executive director of the Asheville Brewers Alliance. “We are excited for Paul and the French Broad Brewery family and look forward to working with and supporting them for many years to come.”
This 1997 Anheuser-Busch franchise agreement shows how distributors have always put Big Beer first
