Penn Brewery has new local owners and they announced a new chapter for the Pittsburgh icon after a chapter 11 bankruptcy filing earlier this year.
Hospitality leader John Graf and beverage veteran Eric Heinauer are taking over the historic North Side brewery.
Graf, who heads priory hospitality group, says the new ownership will help secure the brewery’s future.
“We’re stepping in to go and make sure that this brand thrives long into the future, puts out excellent beer,” said Graf.
Heinauer, who has worked with Wigle Whiskey, Straub, Iron City and Penn Brewery, says they want to preserve its legacy and put its German roots front and center.
“You could take this place and put it in … and nothing would change, except for the language, this is that authentic,” said Heinauer. “Everything that we do from ingredients to process to how we serve is going to be in that tradition.”
The transfer of the brewery’s assets still needs approval from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, but the new owners are already managing the operation.
Heinauer says they want to build on Penn Brewery’s history while looking ahead, and there’s no time to waste.
Oktoberfest is coming up September 18 and 19, with a second weekend September 25 and 26.
