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Leinenkugel's Brewery Closes After 157 Years, Relocates

1/18/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Leinenkugel's brewery in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, has closed after 157 years, relocating operations to Milwaukee.
Molson Coors declined an offer from brothers Jake and Dick Leinenkugel to repurchase the brewery.
The closure impacts 56 employees, ending a family legacy that started in 1867.
While the Leinie Lodge and pilot brewery will stay open, locals worry about tourism effects.

History

Historical Context

Leinenkugel's brewery, founded in 1867, is the seventh oldest in the U.S. and has a rich history, surviving Prohibition by producing non-alcoholic beverages. The brewery's sale to Miller in 1988 marked a shift to corporate ownership, paralleling trends in the beer industry where local breweries faced consolidation. Its closure reflects broader challenges facing traditional breweries in a competitive market.

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Story summary

Leinenkugel's brewery in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, has closed after 157 years, relocating operations to Milwaukee.
Molson Coors declined an offer from brothers Jake and Dick Leinenkugel to repurchase the brewery.
The closure impacts 56 employees, ending a family legacy that started in 1867.
While the Leinie Lodge and pilot brewery will stay open, locals worry about tourism effects.

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