End of an Era

There was a time when The Brewer's Apprentice in Freehold, NJ was one of just three Brew-On-Premises operations in the entire tri-state area. That was back in 1997-8 when I had just begun to immerse myself in the craft beer scene as a writer.

A BOP allowed the beer lover to make his own beer in his own style with his own name--using their equipment as a kitchen. And one of my first stories was about the three Perth Amboy gals who were running the entire operation in Freehold proper. In fact, my first column about the place was entitled "Where the Women Clean Up," with the last two words having two meanings. It's a fun read, so click the link and enjoy. They even created the rare, delicious PubScout IPA for me!

They not only cleaned up your messes, but their dedication to their dream and the success that it engendered helped them to expand their business to a larger space outside the town just a few years later, and they expanded their operations to include the self-brewing of mead and the making of wine. They'd been going strong ever since, and I even did a follow up with them fifteen years later.

The famous outlaws of the PBBC (above) had great fun making beers at the Brewer's Apprentice, and I thought they might keep the place until they chose to retire and live off the fruits of their labors. And then I got an email from them stating that they were putting the business on the market.

Penny shared the situation with me:

"It is something we've been contemplating for last few years, so we were ready. We engaged a broker last September and when I got sick in October, we just handed it off. Unfortunately, it didn't get the attention it should have so nothing happened with it. Once I was finished with chemo I was able to focus better and we decided it was time to take control. Thus, the public announcement."

She added, "We lease the space so the building is not included. We are selling the company & its assets which includes the BOP line. The attractive part of this offering is the space has been built out for beverage production so the infrastructure is here for a brewery and it is turnkey for a meadery / cidery."

But there's another benefit for any potential buyers..."Additionally, we have been here for nine years so the location and operation has been vetted by the ABC, town and landlord. That is potentially a huge time saver in terms of permit approval."

While it's sad to hear about the circumstances necessitating the sale, there is good news: "I have been very blessed with excellent doctors and great support system. As of January 28th I am cancer-free, but still in treatment. Two more weeks of radiation and I'm done!! Woo hooo!! Will be time to celebrate!!"

If any readers--in the tri-state or elsewhere-- are interested, Penny shares:

"Many of you have expressed an interest in owning your own brewery, meadery or cidery over the years. If you are interested in learning more, please see our listing on BizBuySell or contact our broker directly:"

ROSETTO REALTY GROUP LLC

Anthony Salvemini, Sales and Leasing Associate

Cell 732-684-4994

Office 732-244-6700

PLEASE DIRECT ALL SERIOUS INQUIRIES TO ANTHONY

While the news is certainly bittersweet, especially after an operation that has been important to beer lovers--especially of the Jersey variety-- for almost a quarter of a century, The PubScout wishes his old friends well, not only in life, but in health. May God bless them all.

These gals, Penny, Barbara and JoEllen (above), had a dream and lived it successfully, proving two old adages true:

1. Life is too short to drink bad beer, and

2. Life is not a dress rehearsal. Go for it.

Cheers!

The PubScout--since 1996

As always, feel free to share and steal the pictures!