KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Douglas-based Saugatuck Brewing Company (SBC) announced Monday that it is finalizing the process of merging with Kalamazoo’s Gonzo’s Biggdogg Brewing (GBDB).
“We could not be more excited and honored to finally be an official part of Kalamazoo,” President & CEO of SBC Ric Gillette said in a statement.
News of the merger first broke in March 2019, when the company first announced its intentions of acquiring Gonzo’s. At that time, it was reported that staff of Gonzo’s would be retained, and so would some of the locally brewed beers, with the addition of Saugatuck craft brews.
Monday, officials announced that the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) and the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) had approved the merger.
Officials add the employees of SBCK are excited to bring to the community a place where they can feel safe while enjoying themselves during trying times, according to an official statement.
“I am most thankful for the staff at SBCK,” Gillette said. “They have really stuck with us through the thick and thin. There have been some tough times waiting this out, and they have all been in great spirits throughout.”
As a result of this merger, SBCK will be hosting a weekend of celebrations from Thursday – Sunday, beginning October 1.
The “Mega Final Grand Reopening Celebration Weekend” will include specialty beer tappings, food and beer specials, a showcase of new and renovated food menus and a special community donation series.
Through October, SBCK says it will be giving back to the community of Kalamazoo and honoring Emotional Wellness Month by making donations to Gryphon Place of Kalamazoo. Gryphon Place’s mission is to help people navigate conflict and crisis, foster resiliency, restore community and support healing.
SBCK will be closed Monday, September 28 through Wednesday, September 30 to prepare for the big weekend. The doors of the Pub will be officially reopened at 12 p.m. on Thursday, October 1 as “Saugatuck Brewing Co. – Kalamazoo.”
The news of this reopening comes as another Kalamazoo brewery, Tibbs Brewing Company, recently announced its permanent closure.
