New ownership brings new ideas, new vision, and new expectations to familiar breweries
The rule of three is an age-old principle suggesting that readers find a story more interesting, satisfying, or memorable when things are presented in groups of three. By the time I started putting this story together, I had five—and maybe six, seven, eight…—breweries on my list, which hopefully means the story is even more interesting, satisfying, and memorable.
What list? A list of Washington breweries that have recently experienced changes in ownership. Closures and acquisitions tend to get plenty of attention, so let’s focus on happier developments: ownership changes and reopenings.
Why do breweries change owners instead of simply closing? There are probably as many reasons as there are breweries, and even more if you’re willing to speculate. Every situation is unique. At least a couple of the stories below involve owners who decided it was time to retire—and it’s hard to fault anyone for that. As beer lovers, we often view a brewery closure as a failure. Why else would you close a perfectly good brewery unless the business failed? But from the inside, the reality can look very different. Sometimes a brewery just needs new ideas, new energy, a new vision, or reimagined expectations. That’s often what new ownership brings.
Hop on the bus, Gus, or maybe the ferry
As I published this story, this news was breaking: Island Hoppin’ Brewery is welcoming new owners as Nate and Becca, the founders, step aside. Located in one of the most beautiful places on earth, the San Juan Islands, Island Hoppin’ is Orcas Island’s original and only craft brewery.
“Island Hoppin’ Brewery has officially entered into its next phase with new owners,” said the announcement on social media! “Don’t worry, the beer will be the same, if not better. Please help us welcome to the family; Tyler and Heidi Otten! We couldn’t ask for better people to be the new energy behind the brewery. Tyler and Nate will be working together over the brew kettle, and Becca will still be serving pints. (You can’t get rid of us yet!).”
Forging ahead at Crucible
Crucible Brewing had an adventurous ride over its 10-year history. In addition to its flagship location in Everett, the brewery opened a second brewery and taproom in Woodinville (2017–2023) and another taproom in Seattle (2021–2024). Those satellite locations didn’t pan out. Sometimes things don’t turn out as hoped, and that may define much of Crucible’s story.
About a year ago, after a brief closure, Crucible Brewing announced it would reopen under new ownership. That reopening happened, and now the final phase of the transition is coming into focus.
The new owners, Erik Andresen and his wife, Johanna Watson, have applied for and are awaiting a new liquor license. Once approved, the license will complete the ownership change and usher in a new name: Uneek Brewing. For now, the business operates under the somewhat clumsy name U-Neek and Crucible Brewing Company.
At Large and in charge
Not far from Crucible/Uneek Brewing, At Large Brewing announced some time ago that it planned to close at the end of 2025 and was seeking new owners. After nearly a decade running the brewery, the founders (Jim Weisweaver and Karen Larsen) had decided it was time to retire. A more recent announcement, on January 15, introduced the new owners, who will take over on February 1, 2026.
The new owners, Brock and Andrea Duerr, have industry experience: previously, Brock was one of the owners of another local brewery. At Large Brewing will continue to be At Large Brewing.
The same, but also different
Farther north along Interstate 5, in Arlington, Skookum Brewery has also recently changed hands. Ron Walcher and his wife, Jackie, founded the brewery on a farm in 2007 and moved it to its current location in 2013. Recently, they decided it was time to retire.
The new owners, Troy Brown and his wife, Theresa, bring fresh ideas to the business while expressing deep respect for what Skookum Brewery means to the community. Much will remain the same, but they plan to introduce new elements and add some personal character. One example is an enhanced commitment to honoring veterans—Troy himself is one.
On Instagram, Troy wrote: “My dedication is simple: to make sure that the next chapter of Skookum Brewery is built on the strong foundation of the past, reinforcing its reputation as a true local champion… The word Skookum means ‘big, bold, and strong.’ We will be bigger, bolder, and stronger than before.”
Leaving you in good hands
Last October, Downpour Brewing in Kingston announced that it was handing the keys over to new owners. “From the bottom of our hearts — thank you for being part of this journey,” said the goodbye message on Facebook. “We’re leaving you in good hands as Rob and Kathy will be taking over and keeping the Downpour spirit alive with Friends and Neighbors Brewing.”
One of the new owners chimed in, “We are excited to present Friends and Neighbors Brewing in the former Downpour Brewing location in Kingston. We are thankful for the incredible community support we’ve received so far, and look forward to many years of serving the North Kitsap community and beyond!”
The transition at the brewery locals call FAN couldn’t have been smoother. New ownership stepped right in without missing a thing—not a bingo night, Seahawks watch party, or open mic. Then, on January 18, a new sign popped up at Friends and Family Brewing, sealing the deal.
It’s not the water. It’s the rain
Olympia Brewing famously leaned on the slogan “It’s the water” for decades. So when Rainwater Brewing took over Hoh River Brewing, the follow-up—“It’s the rain”—felt like a wink to us old-timers. The joke lands even better considering Rainwater Brewing calls Tumwater home, the very same town that long housed Olympia Brewing.
Rainwater Brewing acquired Hoh River Brewing in June 2025, though the transition wasn’t fully complete until the brewery’s grand opening that October.
Of course, “Rainwater” is a fitting name for just about any brewery in Western Washington. But in this case, it’s also literal. The brewery is named for its owner and brewer, Gavin Rainwater—a former merchant mariner and graduate of South Puget Sound Community College’s Craft Brewing & Distilling program. Before striking out on his own, he cut his brewing teeth at two Olympia-area favorites: Top Rung Brewing and Matchless Brewing.
As previously reported…
In the town of Chewelah, north of Spokane, Quartzite Brewing just introduced its new owners, Elana and Nick. You’ll see Elana helping out in different capacities around the brewery, and you’ll see Nick making the beer. He started his brewing career at Old Schoolhouse Brewery in Winthrop. We first reported this news in early December.
“They’re aiming to keep Quartizite’s sparkle bright, make beer Chewelah can be dang proud of, and keep on lifting up the story of this place in everything they do,” said the announcement on social media. “If you haven’t met them yet, come on by (they’re probably around!).”
No longer just pouring beer
In Tacoma, Black Fleet Brewing quietly closed in 2024, leaving the brewery, kitchen, and taproom vacant. Recently, it was announced that Redd Dog Brewing will take over the space. Redd Dog began in Tacoma as a U-Pour pub and later expanded to locations in Puyallup and Bellevue. The Tacoma and Bellevue locations remain open—for now.
The company plans to shut down its Tacoma location on 6th Avenue and relocate to the former Black Fleet Brewing space on Fawcett Avenue. That location includes a turnkey brewery with a 10-barrel brewhouse. Reportedly, the new concept will combine a brewery, taproom, and beer garden with Mexican cuisine. Redd Dog Brewing Company hopes to open the new location in late summer or fall of 2026. It sounds like they have some exciting plans, including an expanded beer garden.
Close, but no cigar… yet
Finally, in Belfair near Hood Canal, the owners of Bent Bine Brew announced on December 4 that they were once again seeking a new ownership group. This followed an earlier announcement—made months prior—that Bent Bine had found new owners. Apparently, that deal fell through. We’re keeping an eye on this one.
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