‘If we don't change, we won't survive': Bear Republic Brewing Co. owner shines light on acquisition by Drake's Brewing Co.

'If we don't change, we won't survive.' That's what Rich Norgrove, owner of Cloverdale-based Bear Republic Brewing Co., said in an interview Friday...

February 24, 2023
3:32 AM

'If we don't change, we won't survive.' That's what Rich Norgrove, owner of Cloverdale-based Bear Republic Brewing Co., said in an interview Friday morning with The Press Democrat following the news of his brewery being acquired by Drake's Brewing Co. of San Leandro. Drake's acquired all of Bear Republic's recipes, formulas and 'intellectual property,' according to a news release Norgrove sent Friday to The Press Democrat. The acquisition means Drake's will produce Bear Republic's beers, including the largely popular Racer 5 IPA, and its brewery in northern Sonoma County will close.

SARA EDWARDS