Local news station KTVZ is reporting that the owner of Bend Brewing is selling the business to a father-son team. As I understand it, Brewers Ian and Josh are staying put, and are excited at the prospect of expansion. I love BBC and from what I know I look forward to drinking their beer for a long time to come. Don't know if this means a comfortable early retirement for Wendi or what, but I wish her the best.
When in Bend i enjoy Bend Brewing..its not all trendy but a really nice place to sit down and eat/visit with friends. Are the people taking over locals? Expansion? are they moving out of the downtown area?
Definitely a great brewery that is unfortunately overshadowed by local heavyweights. I always feel like I don't spend as much time there as I should when in Bend. Would be cool if we started seeing their stuff more often here up north.
I haven't spoken to Wendi or anybody else with first-hand info, but the rumors I've heard are that the new owners will look to expand distribution, and would look to make some improvements to the physical location. The vacant lot next to it is pricey, and the current brewing space is already cramped, so I don't know what they have in mind.
I was there back in September and really like it. Great food and the beer was good. Had a great IPA there. Can't remember the name but it was on par with stuff from the other more well known breweries in Bend. Distro would be great at some point. Just having the name "Bend Brewing" should help with sales.
Thread title made my heart stop. Not sure I could carry on if I had to give up Ching Ching and Lovely. I chatted briefly with Wendi once, and I have the best wishes for her as goes forward. Memo to new guys, don't mess with too much, or I'll come down there, and we'll have a little "discussion".
Here is the full story on the Bend Brewing sale and the new owners http://www.newschoolbeer.com/2015/11/bend-brewing-co-is-being-sold.html
