Loeb Equipment to Auction Metropolitan Brewing's Assets

Late model, high-quality brewery equipment used by a legendary Chicago brewer to be auctioned in January 2024

CHICAGO, Dec. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Loeb Equipment, a leader in the global equipment and auction space, operating since 1880, will be conducting the auction of Metropolitan Brewing in mid-January 2024. The bankruptcy court has entrusted Loeb with the sale of assets from Metropolitan, an industry staple in German Lager brewing for the last fifteen years.

Metropolitan Brewing, a company founded by husband-and-wife team Doug and Tracy Hurst and located at 3057 N. Rockwell Street in Chicago, has filed for bankruptcy protection, and will be closing after fifteen years of business. Metropolitan specialized and only brewed lagers in typical German fashion.

"Loeb is proud to offer its expertise in helping a legendary Chicago brewery navigate its bankruptcy and monetize its assets," said Howard Newman, President of Loeb. "Loeb has deep experience in the auction and liquidation of brewery equipment, and we will use this expertise to conduct an auction fit for the legend that Metropolitan has been over the years."

The existing equipment at Metropolitan's infamous 20,000-square-foot location overlooking the Chicago River is of outstanding quality and condition and made by well-respected OEMs. Most units were manufactured between 2015 and the present and will be highly sought after when released to the marketplace.

For more information about the auction, visit Loeb's website or call 773-548-4131. You can also register for the auction directly here.

About Loeb: Since 1880, Loeb has been helping manufacturers and financial institutions leverage their industrial assets by managing the equipment lifecycle. Loeb monetizes industrial assets through acquisitions, sales, valuations, and financing. Visit us at https://www.loebequipment.com.



BY 99%, TEAMSTERS AUTHORIZE STRIKE AT ANHEUSER-BUSCH

5,000 Teamsters Prepared to Strike if Beer Giant Fails to Reach Agreement

WASHINGTON, Dec. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Teamsters working nationwide at Anheuser-Busch have voted by an overwhelming 99 percent to authorize a strike.

The resounding vote allows the Teamsters National Negotiating Committee to call a strike if Anheuser-Busch fails to come to terms on a strong new contract. The union is seeking an agreement that improves wages, protects jobs, and secures health care and retirement benefits for 5,000 Teamsters across the company's 12 U.S. breweries. The current agreement expires Feb. 29, 2024.

"Teamsters stand firm in our fight for the best contract at Anheuser-Busch, and this powerful strike vote proves it. Our members' labor, talent, and sacrifice are what put Anheuser-Busch products on the shelf, and we are committed to getting a contract that rewards and recognizes their hard work," said Teamsters General President Sean M. O'Brien. "If Anheuser-Busch's executives can't get their act together to negotiate an agreement that respects workers, we will see them out on the streets."

Under pressure from the Teamsters, the company reached tentative agreements to end tiered health care and restore retiree health benefits last month. However, Anheuser-Busch has delayed negotiating on important job security issues since mid-November, despite repeated requests by the union. The global beermaker pulled in $58 billion in 2022. The company also recently announced $1 billion in stock buybacks to wealthy investors as it simultaneously ignores the need to protect good jobs.

"Anheuser-Busch can't kick this can down the road much longer. The Teamsters don't want to be forced onto the picket line at any employer, but we are fully prepared to walk if Anheuser-Busch doesn't get serious about negotiating a record contract that also protects good union jobs," said Jeff Padellaro, Director of the Teamsters Brewery, Bakery, and Soft Drink Conference. "It is the workers — the dedicated and tireless members of the Teamsters — who make this company a success and who have earned to share in that success." 

There are no dates currently set for negotiations. Anheuser-Busch Teamsters recently rallied in New Hampshire, California, and Florida. More actions will take place soon across the country.

"If this company wasn't willing to come to a fair agreement with the Teamsters, we would strike. My Teamster brothers and sisters have a lot of fight in us and, by all means, we will stand united," said Josh Blanton, an Anheuser-Bush worker with Teamsters Local 947 in Jacksonville, Florida.

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.3 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and "like" us on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.

A Victory for Your Kake! Victory Brewing Company Partners with Fellow Pennsylvania Brand, Tastykake, for Q1 2024 Seasonal Release

Together, Victory Brewing Co. and Tastykake® Launch Koffee Kake Ale to Ring in the New Year 

DOWNINGTOWN, Pa., Dec. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Locally Brewed. Locally Baked. Locally Loved. As Victory Brewing Company preps for 2024, they are teaming up with fellow iconic PA brand, Tastykake®, to create something for their fanbases in Pennsylvania and beyond. Victory put the delicious flavors of Tastykake's Koffee Kake Cupkake into a sweet ale with notes of pound cake and cinnamon. Koffee Kake Ale will ship to Victory's distribution network in mid-December 2023 and be available in 6-pack 12 oz. bottles and draft until early March 2024, while supplies last. 

Victory Brewing Co. will release its Tastykake Koffee Kake Ale on Friday, December 22, at its taprooms in Downingtown, PA; Philadelphia, PA; Parkesburg, PA; and Kennett Square, PA. Join for a first taste, giveaways, and pairings from Victory and Tastykake from 11 am – 4 pm. The first 10 consumers in attendance at each of Victory's Taprooms on the 22nd will score special and limited co-branded prize packs. 

"Brand crossovers are on the rise in craft for the unique and special value they bring to drinkers. As Victory entered the world of collaboration, it was especially important for us to select a partner whose identity, values and flavor profiles would align with ours in a way that connected with our loyal fanbase," Kelly Irvine, brand manager of Victory Brewing Company, explains.

Ashley Hornsby, Tastykake brand manager, adds, "We are thrilled for the opportunity for Tastykake to collaborate with Victory Beer on such a unique and tasty mash-up. We believe the Koffee Kake Ale brings the best of these two iconic brands together in a flavorful way for our passionate fans."  

Find Victory's new Tastykake Koffee Kake Ale at retailers near you after launch by exploring the Beer Finder at VictoryBeer.com/BeerFinder. Follow Victory on social media at @VictoryBeer and Tastykake @Tastykake for updates and more on co-branded events behind this tasty collaboration. 

About Victory Brewing Company  

Headquartered in Downingtown, PA, Victory Brewing Company is a craft brewery founded by Bill Covaleski and Ron Barchet, born out of a passion to introduce Americans to high-quality beer and a drinking experience rooted in connectivity. In 1996, Victory opened its doors to serve full-flavored, innovative beers putting curiosity and inspiration from their travels and the world around them into each delicious pint and has since become a cornerstone of the craft beer industry as a highly regarded and internationally recognized brand. Victory has imbued its vibrant culture and elevated beer-drinking experience at its taproom locations in Parkesburg, PA; Kennett Square, PA; Charlotte, NC; flagship location in Downingtown, PA; and Philadelphia, PA. In February 2016, Victory announced an alliance with Southern Tier Brewing Company under the partnership platform of Artisanal Brewing Ventures. Brooklyn-based Sixpoint Brewery and Bold Rock Hard Cider in Nellysford, VA have since joined the Artisanal Brewing Ventures family. To learn more about Victory Brewing Company please visit www.victorybeer.com or follow us on social media @victorybeer and @victorytaprooms.  

Taste Victory Responsibly 

About Tastykake

A snack favorite since 1914, Tastykake offers a complete line of snack cakes, pies, cookies, and donuts available in supermarkets, mass merchandisers, convenience stores and other retailers. Celebrated for freshness and quality, the Tastykake product portfolio includes such classics as Krimpets®, Kandy Kakes® and Juniors®. One taste of a Tastykake treat and you'll know why this brand has been a favorite of many for more than 100 years. Tastykake is a brand of Flowers Foods, Inc. (NYSE: FLO), one of the largest baking companies in the U.S. For more information on Tastykake or Flowers Foods, please visit www.tastykake.com or www.flowersfoods.com




BANDED PEAK AND LABATT CRAFT STRONG FUTURE FOR CALGARY WITH CAPITAL INVESTMENT

Local Calgary Brewery Grows Staff by 68% and Increases Capacity

CALGARY, AB, Dec. 13, 2023 /CNW/ - Together, Labatt and Banded Peak Brewing Co. are investing in the future of the brewery, by more than doubling its staff, and creating new, local jobs in Calgary. The investment has funded brewery enhancements to increase capacity and distribution across Alberta.

The $9.6 million investment supported a more than 7,000 square foot addition to the 4,800 square foot brewery, including a state-of-the-art lab. The expenditure also funded a bulk grain silo to reduce plastic use in malt shipping, and improved brewing equipment throughout the facility.

"We're thrilled that this investment will allow us to continue bringing Calgarians more selections from Banded Peak," says Colin McLean, co-founder at Banded Peak Brewing, "This investment cements the fact that we are steadfast in our commitment to producing our beer locally, with new jobs, local ingredients and the type of innovation that continues to make Calgary a great place to live – and work." 

The brewery's current team has grown by 68%, creating new jobs for front of house, logistics and brewery operations.  

"We're proud to be able to contribute to our community through this investment," says Chad Patterson, Vice President, Craft & High End, Labatt Breweries of Canada. "From day one, Banded Peak has brewed local craft beer for Albertans and beyond, and this investment from Labatt will enable the necessary next steps to ensure that Albertans can continue to enjoy locally brewed Banded Peak beer for years to come."  

About Banded Peak Brewing 

Banded Peak Brewing started from humble beginnings with three friends opening a brewery and taproom in Calgary in May of 2016. Since then, Banded Peak has grown into a thriving brewery with a strong taproom program, and distribution across Alberta. Banded Peak is a leader in innovation in styles, as well as growing taproom culture in Calgary. They championed the establishment of the Barley Belt, a district with Alberta's highest concentration of taprooms. Banded Peak has been a strong partner of the outdoor community in Alberta, with a passion for making adventurous beer for adventurous people.  

About Labatt Breweries of Canada

Labatt Breweries of Canada is one of Canada's most established businesses and its leading beverage company, with over 3,600 employees; an unmatched portfolio of more than 60 quality beer, ready-to-drink and non-alcoholic products; six key breweries; and four craft breweries from coast-to-coast. Our employees are the driving force behind our business – brewing the world's most loved beverages, building iconic brands and creating meaningful experiences for Canadians. Through 176 years of brewing excellence, we are always looking to serve up new ways to meet life's moments, dream big to move our industry forward and make a meaningful impact in our communities through a collective purpose of creating A Future with More Cheers. 

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