Anchor Brewing Company, which had its future in doubt since its corporate owners closed it down last year, has been bought by billionaire yogurt magnate Hamdi Ulukaya.
Ulukaya, founder and CEO of the Chobani yogurt company, announced the purchase for an undisclosed sum Friday, saying the storied San Francisco brewery was acquired by his New York investment firm Shepherd Futures.
“What an exciting time for San Francisco and Anchor Brewing,” Ulukaya said. “Both are experiencing the magic of rebirth. I have fallen in love with this city, its history, grit and charm. I believe brands born in places like this are incredibly special and must be treasured, respected and loved.”
The brewery that was to become Anchor was founded during the Gold Rush by German immigrant Gottlieb Brekle, who sold it to Ernst Baruth and Otto Schinkel Jr. in 1896.
“I have fallen in love with this city, its history, grit and charm. I believe brands born in places like this are incredibly special and must be treasured, respected and loved.” Hamdi Ulukaya, Chobani founder and CEO
It changed hands a few more times, eventually ending up with Fritz Maytag, who bought the struggling brewery in 1965 and who is widely credited with kick-starting the country’s craft beer movement.
In 2017, international beer conglomerate Sapporo Breweries Ltd. acquired Anchor, famous for its Steam Beer, and then closed it in 2023, citing poor sales and other economic factors.
Ulukaya announced the acquisition of the company following meetings with city officials on Thursday, according to San Francisco Supervisor Shamann Walton, who represents the Potrero Hill neighborhood that has been Anchor’s home since 1979.
“We are super excited about the fact that this community anchor (no pun intended) has been purchased and the tradition of Anchor Steam will continue right here in District 10,” Walton said in a news release Friday.
