GREEN FLASH BREWING ANNOUNCES TRANSACTION WHICH WILL PROVIDE A SUCCESSFUL RETURN TO SOUTHWEST ROOTS
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Award-winning San Diego brewery to strategically streamline and consolidate operations utilizing resources and expertise of new investors
San Diego, CA – Green Flash Brewing Company is excited to announce a transaction involving a new investor group committed to maintaining Green Flash’s status as an iconic independent craft-brewing interest. With this new financial backing and focus, Green Flash will return to its Southern California roots, while consolidating distribution of its beers and those of sister-brand Alpine Beer Company to San Diego County and the greater Southwest.
As a part of this strategy, Green Flash Brewing Company will cease operations at its production brewery in Virginia Beach, Va. Over the past two years, the company has been under significant pressure due to the cost and complexity of bi-coastal operations. With a stabilized financial position and streamlined operation, the focus will be on brewing exceptional beer, connecting with customers, and building the brands in the core markets of Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, Texas, Utah, and Nebraska.
“We have faced a host of significant challenges since expanding our operations to the East Coast and, though a rewarding endeavor in many ways, we feel this course-correction is prudent at this time and will ensure the independence, fiscal viability, identity and quality of the Green Flash and Alpine brands,” says Green Flash co-founder and CEO Mike Hinkley. “That said, I am deeply saddened to close our Virginia Beach facility and say good-bye to 36 employees who worked hard to make our amazing brewery, tasting room and beer garden a special place. I hope another brewery will move in and operate this wonderful facility with and for the people of Virginia Beach.”
Distribution into all East Coast markets will also be discontinued, resulting in the elimination of seven sales positions. “I am very disappointed to stop sending Green Flash and Alpine beer to our East Coast distribution partners, retailers, and fans. I have enjoyed so many great relationships that I am sad to see come to an end,” says Hinkley. “Our salespeople are best-in-class and I encourage local breweries in their regions to hire them right away.”
The Green Flash and Alpine breweries will continue to operate in San Diego and Alpine, respectively. Meanwhile, the Green Flash Brewhouse & Eatery in Lincoln, Neb. will open as scheduled in April, and will brew specialty beers serving the state of Nebraska. This brewery will serve as the model for future customer connection points in the Southwestern United States.
About Green Flash Brewing Co.
Green Flash Brewing Co. is headquartered in San Diego, California, and was established in 2002 by co-founders Mike and Lisa Hinkley. Brewmaster, Erik Jensen, leads brewing operations. Green Flash is an award-winning brewer of fine, craft ales, and specializes in brewing assertive and distinctive beers, such as nationally acclaimed West Coast IPA: an award-winning beer whose wide acceptance has helped define a category. In early 2018, Green Flash will open a Brewhouse and Eatery in Lincoln, NE.
