Chobani buys Anchor Brewing Company

SAN FRANCISCO - Anchor Brewing Company has been acquired by the family office of Chobani, the company announced on Friday.

Chobani CEO and founder Hamdi Ulukaya did not disclose how much money the purchase was for.

The purchase was made by Shepherd Futures, the parent company of Chobani. 

Uluukaya said the deal marks a new beginning for Anchor Brewing, which has been closed since last year and an "optimistic opportunity to continue its 128-year legacy."

The purchase includes the Brewery, related real estate, intellectual property, and brand

Ulukaya says he plans to reserve the brand, honor Anchor’s history and heritage and keep the company in San Francisco’s Potrero Hill neighborhood. 

Anchor brewing is America’s first craft brewery, persevering through catastrophic earthquakes, fire, and the prohibition era.

The popular brew business was killed by economic difficulties, shutting its doors last July, citing economic factors and declining sales since 2016. 

Now, it’s being revived by Ulukaya. In a video shared on social media, he said he spoke to four employees who worked there before it closed.

"When I told them I’d like to be part of bringing this company, Anchor beer, this dream back to life, they couldn’t be more excited and I couldn’t be more honored," he said.

Critics are concerned because Ulukaya is not from the Bay Area, and is not familiar with the beer industry, but he promises to reserve the brand’s history and heritage, keeping the company in San Francisco. 

To that, corporate business expert and emeritus professor at SFSU Mitchell Lee Marks said, "Why discourage money coming into the city?"

"This is someone who's going to keep a lot of jobs here. This is someone who's going to keep a lot of pride here," Marks continued.

Many San Franciscans welcoming the beer back with open arms.

"It’s nostalgic," said Shane Wesbrock. "It’s great that San Francisco has its own things that are unique to San Francisco."

"San Francisco is not the same without steam beer. They got to bring it back. You know, when you get your chowder, you got to have a steam beer with it. That's the way it goes," said Doug Love.

Mayor London Breed wrote in a statement on X, "This is not just an investment in san francisco. It's a recognition of what makes our city truly special - our history, our institutions, and our people."

Gov. Gavin Newsom wrote on X, "There's a lot to love in San Francisco. And now, a historic favorite—the nation's oldest craft beer—is back."

"I think the best time of San Francisco is yet to come. I can’t wait to get back to work on my part with Anchor Brewery," Ulukaya said.

The price of the sale was not disclosed.

There is no date set for reopening yet.