
Beloved Historic Wisconsin Brewery Trying To Get A Second Life
A few months ago, it was announced that after a sale to Molson Coors, the state of Wisconsin's most beloved brewery would be closing, and operations would be moved. The brewery continued to hold tours, with the end of the brewery closing in at the end of this week.
Just before the doors close for good, it was announced that the ownership, brothers Jake and Dick Leinenkugel, were "deeply saddened" by the parent company's decision to close the brewery in Chippewa Falls where the brand began in 1867 - even outdating the city by two years.
The closure of the brewery means that operations will move to Milwaukee, except for some small batches made at the Leine Lodge, which also means 56 brewery workers will be without work.
"The brewery has not only been a cornerstone of the Chippewa Valley economy but also a welcoming destination for thousands of visitors who have experienced the rich tradition and heritage of Leinenkugel’s firsthand," the brothers told WEAU.
The two have said they've begun trying to speak with the ownership of Molson Coors to try and purchase, and preserve, the operations of the Chippewa Falls brewery, but their offer was rejected.
Molson Coors told them the company maintains committed to the brand, and will continue to make sure the brand maintains its strong presence in the beer market, but the brewery will still close at the end of the week.
“While the decision to move brewing to Milwaukee was a challenging one, we are committed to maintaining a strong presence in Chippewa Falls,” Molson Coors Chief Communications Officer Adam Collins told WPR in a statement. “That’s why we’ll continue taking excellent care of our facilities, opening our doors year-round to thousands of guests. Our pilot brewery will continue serving as an innovation hub, and the Leinie Lodge will continue to be a gathering place for locals and out-of-towners to enjoy their favorite beers and one-of-a-kind varieties available only at the Lodge.”
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Gallery Credit: Stacker