Chobani Founder Buys Anchor Brewing, Plans Brand Revival

Billionaire entrepreneur Hamdi Ulukaya, founder and CEO of Chobani, has purchased San Francisco's historic Anchor Brewing Company. The acquisition includes the brewery's Potrero Hill property, brewing equipment, intellectual property, and brand. The purchase was finalized through a months-long auction process, with the aim of reviving the brewery's operations and restoring its traditional branding. Ulukaya is collaborating with local developer Presidio Bay Ventures to restart the brewery and reposition it as a national brand.

Anchor Brewing, which had been in operation since 1896, was abruptly shut down by its previous owner, Sapporo Breweries, in July due to economic challenges and declining sales. Ulukaya plans to reopen the brewery and maintain its location in the Potrero Hill neighborhood of San Francisco. His efforts include hiring back as many former employees as possible and potentially expanding distribution within the Bay Area. Despite his background in the yogurt industry and no previous ties to the Bay Area, Ulukaya aims to honor Anchor's legacy and heritage while revitalizing the brand.