In a whirlwind start to 2022, two of Utah’s biggest names in craft beer have confirmed significant changes to their ownership. January sees both Utah Brewers Coop (Squatters / Wasatch) and Uinta changing hands. The most eye catching of the two deals is the purchase of CANarchy Brewery Collective for $330 million by Monster Energy drinks – the fifty billion beverage behemoth. Industry watchers note the deal likely allow Monster to access the alcoholic beverage space – especially the quickly expanding hard seltzer market.
In case you didn’t know, CANarchy is the multi-brewer business formed by Fireman Capital – who initially invested in Squatters / Wasatch way back in 2012. In a familiar move seen across various industries, Fireman went on to bundle together several well regarded regional craft brewers to create the amalgamated CANarchy – a sum greater than its parts. Other names on the CANarchy label include familiar names like Cigar City, Oskar Blues, Deep Ellum and Perrin Brewing.
Interestingly, the press release coverage for the purchase specifically states that the deal does not include CANarchy’s brick and mortar restaurants. What that means for in person dining at the likes of the popular downtown SLC Squatters – or indeed award winning micro brews like Mr Mellings – remains unclear. I’ve reached out for further info on this one.
Also welcoming new owners this year – Uinta Brewing. The nigh three decade old SLC brand recently announced their acquisition by Connetticut based US Beverage. According to the release, “While details of the transaction are not being released, both US Beverage and Uinta have confirmed that Uinta leadership, operations and staff will remain in place.” Prior to sale Uinta had dabbled with outside investment, 2014 seeing a five year link up with NY based private equity company The Riverside Group.
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- La Trattoria closes until further notice
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Hi, I’m Stuart, nice to meet you! I’m the founder, writer and wrangler at Gastronomic SLC; I’m also a former restaurant critic of more than five years, working for the Salt Lake Tribune. I’ve worked extensively with multiple local publications from Visit Salt Lake to Salt Lake Magazine, not least helped to consult on national TV shows.
I’m a multiple-award winning journalist and have covered the Utah dining scene for the better part of fifteen years. I’m largely fueled by a critical obsession with rice, alliteration and the use of big words I don’t understand. What they’re saying about me: “Not inaccurate”, “I thought he was older”, “I don’t share his feelings”. Want to know more? This is why I am the way I am.
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