Bottles of Anchor Steam beer. Source: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
San Francisco was met with a heart-wrenching surprise as the news broke that Anchor Brewing Company, the nation’s first craft brewery, would be closing its doors. The news came as a shock to Anchor employees and the city’s bartenders alike, who expressed their emotional reactions to the closure. Owner Sapporo Breweries Ltd. cited the impacts of the pandemic, inflation, and a highly competitive market as reasons for the closure. Just one month before the announcement, Anchor had already decided to stop national distribution and production of its popular Christmas Ale.
The doors to Anchor’s Mariposa Street headquarters, usually open to welcome tourists and locals eager to explore the historic brewery, remained closed for an emergency meeting between the parent company and employees. Employees, some holding desk plants, expressed their anger and frustration at the closure. A spontaneous demonstration of support from passing drivers shouting “Keep brewing!” ensued. Shortly after noon, the Anchor Brewing flag was replaced by an American flag, and former employees headed to Thee Parkside for drinks.
The news of Anchor’s closure had a profound impact on the craft beer industry. Ken Grossman, founder and chairman of Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., expressed his sadness at the loss of such an iconic brewery that had inspired him in his early brewing days. Craft brewers from the area, including those operating inside Anchor Public Taps, shared similar sentiments. Frank Grizzly’s, a California-inspired Mexican food pop-up located across the street from the brewery, had established a strong partnership with Anchor and was deeply saddened by the closure. Bartenders across the Bay Area, like those from the Athletic Club Oakland, also expressed disappointment as Anchor beer was one of their top sellers.
While craft brewers in San Francisco were not entirely surprised by the closure, it still felt like a significant blow. Jim Woods, founder of San Francisco’s Woods Beer Company, described it as a “gut punch.” He acknowledged the challenges faced by craft beer companies, especially in urban centers like San Francisco, with tight margins and rising costs. Despite the closure of Anchor, Woods expressed his commitment to San Francisco and the future of craft beer in the city.
Overall, the closure of Anchor Brewing Company left a lasting impact on San Francisco and the craft beer industry, with many lamenting the loss of an iconic institution.