Press Release:
ESCONDIDO, CA (July 19, 2014) – The 10th largest craft brewer in the United States,
Stone Brewing Co.,
today announced plans to open a production brewery and expansive
destination restaurant in Berlin, Germany. With an anticipated opening
in late 2015 or early 2016, Stone is making an initial investment of
more than $25 million to renovate a historic gasworks complex in
Marienpark Berlin, turning the more than two acres (9,290 square meters)
of indoor and outdoor space into a world-class operation that will
welcome beer enthusiasts from around the globe. Stone will be the first
American craft brewer to independently own and operate a brewery in
Europe.
Stone Brewing Co. – Berlin
will encompass three components: a brewery and packaging hall, a Stone
Brewing World Bistro & Gardens restaurant and a Stone Company Store.
“This is a historic moment for Stone. I’ve wanted to say these next
words for many years now: We’re coming to Europe. We’re coming to
Germany. We are coming to Berlin!” said Stone CEO and Co-founder Greg
Koch. “It has been a long time coming and I couldn’t be more proud to
say that we are finally on our way to being the first American craft
brewer to own and operate our own brewery in Europe. Once open, we will
bring Germany and the rest of Europe a taste of our craft beer vision,
and look forward to sharing the unique beers that we have spent the last
18 years brewing.”
“Stone’s future European home will serve as the company’s international
hub; a central location promoting goodwill and quality craft beer
spanning the globe,” said Stone President and Co-founder Steve Wagner.
“With this expansion comes our commitment to brewing bold, aggressive,
hop-forward beers in a country with a long history rooted in the art of
brewing.”
The company will transform the setting into a one-of-a-kind destination that includes:
- A spectacular, historic, red brick main hall built in 1901
measuring 43,000-plus square feet (3,994 square meters), featuring a
vaulted ceiling that will house a custom-built, stainless steel
brewhouse, an eclectic farm-to-table restaurant, and retail store
featuring specialty Stone beers and merchandise.
- A second 20,775-square-foot (1,930 square meters) building that
will be utilized for brewing operations and house fermenters, bright
tanks, and packaging equipment and materials. Ultimately, the company’s
signature ales will be packaged and distributed throughout Europe from
the facility.
- A third 1,300-square-foot (120 square meters) building, situated in
what will be the expansive gardens, to be utilized as event space.
The property’s brewhouse will produce year-round and special-release
Stone beers to be packaged, kegged and enjoyed on site and eventually
distributed. Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens – Berlin will
highlight locally grown, organic food that complements the harmonious
nature and seasonality of the location’s surroundings. As proud
supporters of the international Slow Food movement, Stone will ensure
that every dish is made from ingredients adhering to Slow Food’s
principles of good, clean, fair food. An ambassador of the craft beer
movement, Stone will serve an extensive array of exceptional craft and
specialty beers from other breweries in Germany, Europe and across the
world, both on tap and in bottles.
Additionally, the company launched an
Indiegogo crowd-participation campaign
today, so fans can participate in the venture by purchasing special
collaboration beers to be brewed with award-winning, renowned craft
brewers from around the world at Stone Brewing Co. – Berlin once the
facility is operational.
