In a letter from craft brewing pioneers Rose Ann and Charles Finkel, Pike Brewing announced they have, “expanded ownership of The Pike Brewing Co. to include three key and long-term employees.”
The new owners, Drew Gillespie, Vice President Operations; Patti Baker, Vice President Controller; and Gary Marx, Executive Chef; have a combined 45 years of service and experience at Pike Brewing and are considered by the Finkels to be “family in this family owned brewery.”
“Each one has taken on key projects and responsibilities, showing the same commitment to Pike as we do. By formalizing them as owners alongside us we are ensuring that Pike Brewing remains independent and continues to grow organically.”
The letter goes on to announce that Pike will embark on an expansion: “We will occupy an additional 5,500 square feet space directly above The Pike Pub on the atrium level with direct access from First Avenue and The Pike Place Market Atrium. The entire space will be remodeled in the Pike style with antique breweriana, an extension of Pike’s Micro Brewery Museum.”
The 26 year old brewery’s value of independence is strongly shown in the letter and their decision to sell in. “When we began our craft beer journey in 1978, the whole of America had only two craft breweries. Currently there are almost 4,000! No matter the landscape, in almost 40 years in beer, we have never been so excited about our company’s momentum and growth potential. “
For more, read the entire Pike Brewing letter: Pike Sells In and Moves Up.
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.
Share Post