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West Side acquisition to boost Brit-inspired beer in the US

Cincinnati-based brewer West Side Brewing has acquired neighbouring business Gilligan’s in a move set to nurture a taste for British-style beer in America.

The acquisition will, according to reports from CityBeat, see West Side Brewing rebranding the Wyoming-based bar and grill from Gilligan’s On The Green and renaming it GIlligan’s Brewery.

West Side Brewing is known for its heritage-rich brews inspired by the British Isles and has confirmed that the rebranding process will begin from 1 February.

The news follows West Side Brewing already having moved its production of Gilligan’s portfolio of beers beside the site in December 2024 and also aligns with its mission to pay homage to the business’s two Irish-American ancestors.

According to CityBeat, the acquisition was largely led by the previous owners EP Investment Group in a bid to create an “authentic taproom experience” and establishing an enviable reputation for good beer and hospitality in the area.

Speaking about the acquisition, EP Investment Group president Frank Eversole pointed out there was a “logistical benefit of having West Side Brewing take full operational control of the space” primarily due to its on-site brewing abilities.

West Side Brewing CEO Joe Mumper also hailed the impressive renovation and operational work that had taken place at the site since it first opened back in November 2023.

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As part of the new deal, the current management team, including its general manager Emmy Friedrichs and its head chef David Mapstead, will keep their roles to offer continuity and ensure the venue retains its good reputation among locals.

Reports via Local12 and FOX19 have hinted that visitors can however still expect some “exciting changes” under the new ownership.

Describing what was to come, Mumper said: “We’re looking forward to working with Emmy on some exciting changes that will make Gilligan’s one of the very best brewery taproom experiences in the region.”

Despite the chnage of hands, reports have indicated that the buyout has been approached with a collaborative spirit and appears to be more of a transition in keeping of the adage of “beer people being good people” since it involves the existing staff being considered and valued rather than the takeover involving lay offs or any kind of shake-up.

Gilligan’s head brewer, Ryan Baird told CityBeat that the beers pouring at the site would be a hat tip to British-styled brews and Irish heritage, a move that fosters and upholds recipes of ancestors, but making them available to all who visit the venue:

Baird explained: “There will be some variety to the product while keeping it very traditional. From Irish-style ales to ordinary bitters, lagers to stouts, there will be a beer for everyone.”

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