Brewery Closure: Sacramento Brewing Co.
This is a hard story to write, it’s too close to home. Workers and patrons at Sacramento Brewing Company discovered today that Sacramento Brewing Company has officially closed. For us at PBN we’ve come to truly appreciate the beers put out from this location over the past couple of years, under the watchful eye of brewmaster Peter Hoey. The closure comes just a few weeks after Hoey won another GABF medal for the brewery, a true testament of the quality of beer made at SBC.
Sacramento Brewing has been a much celebrated local joint for more than a decade, but when the founder and ‘eternal brewer’ Sam Peterson fell ill the brewery suffered from a lack of leadership and a decline in quality. Sam passed away a few years back and shortly thereafter it looked as though things had turned around with Hoey making recipe changes that resulted in World Beer Cup, California State Fair and Great American Beer Festival awards. In fact, in 2009 SBC was selling more beer in house than ever – in part, due to the expanded tap selection that included 24 guest beers. Sadly, the economic realities hit the restaurant side of the business in a way that beer sales couldn’t compensate for.
For beer lovers in the region this is a major blow. SBC joins Beermann’s and Elk Grove Brewing, and SBC’s satellite location The Oasis in local breweries that have shut down recently.
EDIT
I do want to take a moment to say Thank You to George and Sarah Irwin, owners of SBC. Since buying SacBrew some years back they’ve been nothing but hospitable to us at PBN. I know they poured a lot into making SBC work, but it just didn’t happen. We wish you the best. Don’t be strangers – would be good to see you at local watering holes in the near future.
Sorry to hear about this, and while I have not had the opportunity to try any of Peter’s brews, I have been able to witness his successes that you have pointed out from afar as a craft beer fan. Hopefully he will find a new brewing position soon.
That really sucks! Now you’ve really got to make Odonata work.
So sorry to read this, but I know Peter will bounce back bigger and better than ever.
Glad we were able to enjoy the wonderful craft beers Peter brewed there when we had a chance. It’s a shame things didn’t work out better for the brewery, but the future is bright. There’s a reason for everything.
[...] Brew News’ Rick Sellers, who is very close to Peter and the brewery, also had a post about it [...]
This is really sad news. I wish everyone at the company the best.
What? I love this place! I was planning on spending my 40th birthday there. Ironic because I’d planned to spend my 39th at the Oasis and they closed that down a month before that! Makes me not want to make birthday plans at anywhere I really like.
Glad to hear that such a talent brewer as Hoey still has a venue to release his excellent beers. Best of luck!
This is very sad.
Sac Brew has been one of the most loyal supporters of Point West Rotary Club’s California Brewers Festival. And the beer that their Peter Hoey and his crew have produced is outstanding!!
This is a major loss.
Don Levin, West Sacramento, California
[...] of business but encouraged that Peter and Rick will soldier on. Rick also has a bit more about the Sacramento Brewery closing, if you’re interested in learning more. Share and [...]
[...] of business but encouraged that Peter and Rick will soldier on. Rick also has a bit more about the Sacramento Brewery closing, if you’re interested in learning [...]
Paul, please plan to celebrate your 41 birthday in Afghanistan, then your 42 in Iran. I would like to see those establishments befall the birthday curse.
On a more somber note, my wife and I were truly shocked when we drove up to Sac Brew last night, expecting to spend our Thursday night enjoying fine food, world class brew, and our guilty pleasure – Thursday Night Trivia. That has been our ritual for many years now, and it is very sad to contemplate that it’s over, done with, finis…….
You were the best!!!!
WHO WILL MAKE ME A MAXIMUM BURGER NOW???
The two of us will be in mourning for some time… your establishment and staff were simply one of a kind, and hard to find these days…
Be well…
We can’t believe you’re gone… for the last four years you’ve taken very good care of us…
WHO WILL MAKE ME A MAXIMUM BURGER NOW???????
We will be in mourning for some time…
Your establishment and staff were the best…
Be well…
Please call me Rick Sellers. I would like to discuss starting a new brewery with a German model. 705-9802 Is my number.
Awful, awful news. I only get to Sac twice a year on business, but found this to be the best brewpub in the area and one of the finest in Cali. One can only hope they’ll regroup and reopen some day.
The Sac Brewing Co. The Beer was exceptional. Recent years saw the food vary but two things always stood out that in the end I just stop going. The indifferent and rude day time bartender. Second, any bar, resturant, grill that allows it furniture, tiles & carpet to degrade to the point Sac Brew had left us feeling the place had become a joint and just felt dirty and oily. Thin profit line in the food and beverage industry, yet its no excuse to allow your atmosphere to degrade. The were some oustanding staff members, but not enough. I wish them all well.
PBN-
Do you have any contact info for Peter Hoey or know where he may be brewing now? I would also really like to contact George and Sarah Irwin as I am writing a business plan for a new brewing company. Can you help me out? Thanks.
Bill Brandon
916-941-3978
billbrandon@sbcglobal.net