After 127 Years, Anchor Brewing Co. Closes Its Doors in San Francisco, Signifying the End of an Era for Craft Beer in the U.S.

The historic Anchor Brewing Company in San Francisco, which has been in operation for 127 years, is set to close its doors due to the impacts of the pandemic, inflation, and a highly competitive market. Anchor Brewing Co. is often touted as America’s first craft brewery and has been credited with igniting demand for craft beer beyond the city borders of San Francisco.

The brewery was founded in the California Gold Rush era and has been a trailblazer in the U.S. craft beer industry since the 1970s. Despite its success, Anchor Brewing Co. has been facing increasing difficulty turning a profit in recent years due to a proliferation of canned cocktails and other craft beers.

“We recognize the importance and historic significance of Anchor to San Francisco and to the craft brewing industry,” said Anchor Brewing Co. CEO Keith Singer, “but the impacts of the pandemic, inflation, especially in San Francisco, and a highly competitive market left the company with no option but to make this sad decision to close.”

Anchor Brewing Co. will be pouring its last cold one and closing its doors after 127 years of operation. The brewery has been a beloved staple in San Francisco and its closure marks the end of an era for craft beer in the United States.