San Francisco’s Anchor Brewing Company says it has ceased operations

“One of the factors is the inflationary effect of product costs in San Francisco,” Singer told SFGATE at the time. “Add to that a highly competitive craft beer market and a historically expensive steam brewing technology. [They’ve] He may have been thinking about this decision for a year. It’s not something they take lightly.”

On Wednesday, Singer reiterated the prevailing economic conditions.

“This was a very difficult decision that Anchor reached only after many months of careful evaluation,” he said in a statement. “We recognize the significance and historical importance of Anchor to San Francisco and to the craft brewing industry, but the effects of the pandemic, inflation, especially in San Francisco, and a highly competitive market have left the company no choice but to make the sad decision to cease operations.”

Founded in 1896, Anchor advertises itself as America’s first craft brewery. Sold to Sapporo in 2017.

A press release on Wednesday said the company plans to “provide transition support and severance packages” to outgoing employees, and that the Anchor Public Taps room on De Haro Street will remain temporarily open to sell remaining inventory. Brewing has stopped, but the brewery says it will continue to bottle and distribute available beers through the end of July.

Anchor Brewing also said Wednesday that attempts over the past year to find a buyer have been unsuccessful, but that it may come up during the liquidation process.