Golden Road Brewing is indeed owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev, one of the largest beer companies in the world. The acquisition of Golden Road by AB InBev came as no surprise to many craft beer enthusiasts in Los Angeles. There was a prevailing sentiment among those who followed Golden Road's growth and expansion that the brewery was “built to sell.” This sentiment was often expressed through social media posts, online forums, and comment threads.
It is important to note that Golden Road Brewing was founded in 2011 by Tony Yanow and Meg Gill, with the goal of creating a local craft brewery that could cater to the growing demand for craft beer in Los Angeles. The brewery quickly gained popularity and expanded its operations, opening a large production facility in 2015. Golden Road also opened several taprooms and brewpubs throughout the city, becoming a prominent player in the local craft beer scene.
However, as Golden Road continued to grow, some beer enthusiasts began to question whether the brewery was truly committed to the principles of independent craft brewing or if it was positioning itself to be acquired by a larger beer company. The brewery's rapid expansion and distribution deals with major retailers raised concerns among craft beer purists who value the independent and local nature of the industry.
In September 2015, these concerns were realized when Anheuser-Busch InBev announced its acquisition of Golden Road Brewing. The news was met with mixed reactions from the craft beer community. Some expressed disappointment and felt that Golden Road had “sold out” by aligning itself with a multinational corporation. Others saw the acquisition as a validation of the craft beer movement and an opportunity for Golden Road to reach a wider audience.
The acquisition of Golden Road by AB InBev is part of a larger trend in the craft beer industry, where larger beer companies are acquiring successful craft breweries to tap into the growing demand for craft beer. This trend has sparked debates about the definition of craft beer and the impact of corporate ownership on the industry.
The ownership of Golden Road Brewing by Anheuser-Busch InBev is a reflection of the changing dynamics in the craft beer industry. While some may view it as a loss of independence for the brewery, others see it as a strategic move that allows Golden Road to expand its reach and resources. The acquisition has undoubtedly sparked discussions and debates about the future of craft beer and the role of large beer companies in the industry.