In today’s world, many beer lovers are hip to what I call “the localization of beer” and are excited to see a craft brewer from across the country (or across town) open a location in their area. A new brewery nearby brings fresh craft beer and a tight knit community.
Did you know that in 1978 there were only 42 brewing companies in America, and today there are more than 2,400? From 2011 to 2012 alone, there was an 18 percent increase in the number of operating U.S. breweries—now that’s a craft beer boom!
When faced with such exponential growth, naysayers have begun to ask if it’s possible for more breweries to open and still be successful? Plain and simple, I believe that the increasing number of breweries is not just good, it’s great! Look at the U.S. restaurant industry as a comparable—we don’t often question when another restaurant opens up down the street.
If a craft brewery can make world-class, craft-brewed beer and differentiate their products, then they deserve to thrive. As with any revolution, there is strength in numbers. In craft beer, healthy competition breeds diversity, quality and innovation that is capable of shattering any glass ceiling.
Now, it’s important to remember the past, as to ensure we do not repeat our mistakes. During the beer boom of the early 90s, many a brewing business set up shop to make a quick buck without an awareness of beer as a superior and savored beverage. This is so important to relay now as we are in the midst of another boom. To those bold enough to try, I warn: you cannot clone craft greatness. Greatness comes from within, and only from having a deep understanding and appreciation of the culture and community of craft beer.
But, as we’re seeing, if you’re already a thriving craft brewer, you can successfully split your love into two, in what I like to call a double down, by opening additional locations that are just as amazing, real and authentic as home. The list below shares craft breweries (we’re aware of) who have recently added (or are planning) an additional location.
Craft Breweries With Additional Locations
| Craft Brewery | Original Location | Additional Location |
| Avery Brewing Co. | Boulder, CO | Gunbarrel, CO |
| Ballast Point | San Diego, CA | San Diego, CA |
| Devils Backbone Brewing Co. | Roseland, VA | Lexington, VA |
| Epic Brewing Co. | Salt Lake City, UT | Denver, CO |
| Funky Buddha Lounge & Brewery | Boca Raton, FL | Fort Lauderdale, FL |
| Green Flash Brewing Co. | San Diego, CA | Virginia Beach, VA |
| Fat Head’s Brewery & Saloon | North Olmsted, OH | Middleburg Heights, OH |
| Freetail Brewing Co. | San Antonio, TX | San Antonio, TX |
| Jolly Pumpkin | Ann Arbor & Traverse City, MI | Royal Oak, MI |
| Lagunitas Brewing Co. | Petaluma, CA | Chicago, IL |
| Maui Brewing Co. | Lahaina, HI | Kihei, HI |
| New Belgium Brewing Co. | Fort Collins, CO | Asheville, NC |
| Oakshire Brewing | Eugene, OR | Eugene, OR |
| Oskar Blues Brewery | Lyons & Longmont, CO | Brevard, NC |
| Rochester Mills Beer Co. | Rochester, MI | Auburn Hills, MI |
| SanTan Brewing Co. | Chandler, AZ | Chandler, AZ |
| Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. | Chico, CA | Mills River, NC |
| Stone Brewing Co. | Escondido, CA | Point Loma, CA |
| Smuttynose Brewing Co. | Portsmouth, NH | Hampton, NH |
| Suds Brothers Brewing Co. | Evanston, WY | Fruita, CO |
| Upslope Brewing Co. | Boulder, CO | Boulder, CO |
| Victory Brewing Company | Dowingtown, PA | Chester County, PA |
Know of one I missed? Please do share. Wanna know what breweries are in your neighborhood? CraftBeer.com’s Brewery Locator is the largest directory of operating breweries on the Internet!
CraftBeer.com is fully dedicated to small and independent U.S. breweries. We are published by the Brewers Association, the not-for-profit trade group dedicated to promoting and protecting America’s small and independent craft brewers. Stories and opinions shared on CraftBeer.com do not imply endorsement by or positions taken by the Brewers Association or its members.
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