Legendary Buffalo Bill’s Brewery Up For Sale
The legendary Buffalo Bill’s Brewery, which closed in May of this year due to pandemic-related struggles is up for sale.
Founded by Bill Owens in 1983, Buffalo Bill’s is considered to be the oldest brewpub in America. It was the second or third brewpub to open in the country, following closely behind Bert Grant’s Yakima Brewing which opened as the first brewpub in America since prohibition. When California passed legislation in 1982 to allow breweries to sell food on-site, both Mendocino Brewing Company in Hopland and Buffalo Bill’s in Hayward opened up for business in September of the next year. Both claimed to be the first brewpub in California and the dispute was never really resolved
Buffalo Bill’s is perhaps best known for reintroducing pumpkin ale to American consumers in 1986. It also introduced Alimony Ale in 1987, one of the first craft IPAs. The beer carried the slogan “The Bitterest Beer in America.”
Owens sold the brewery in 1994 to Geoff Harries who joined the brewery in 1987 as a tank cleaner. Later, he worked his way up to becoming the assistant brewer, working alongside Owens. Harries continued to operate the business until its closing this year.
The brewery is up for sale as a turnkey business and consists of a 10bbl brewery, 3 conical 10bbl fermenters, 1 conical 20bbl fermenter, 4 10bbl serving tanks, and 2 20bbl serving tanks. Prior to covid the brewpub was generating $4.5m annually. The property is 4,300 sq ft, plus an outdoor patio space.
More details and price on the business can be seen here.
