USA, FL: Brewlando to acquire Sanford Brewing Company

Sanford Brewing Company opened its first location at 400 S. Sanford Avenue back in 2016. It’s sister location in Maitland began serving in 2020, “five weeks before the world fell off the cliff,” says co-founder/owner Robyn Winkler-Esser, MSN reported on October 30.

And though the brewpub — with its bestselling Drinkin’ Beer American pale ale topping a recipe list north of 100, and a vast network of bars and restaurants serving its suds — survived the pandemic, a tough post-COVID economy eventually did it in.

SBC shuttered less than a week ago, but it’s about to get a swift resurrection, as Brewlando announced on October 29 its intent to acquire both locations and reopen as Sanford Brewing Company by Brewlando.

It’s a significant expansion. Brewlando just opened The Winery & Tasting Room at Icon Park earlier this month. The Sanford Brewing acquisition will take its locations up to four.

And it’s all because Brewlando owner Shara Pathak was moved by what she saw on local TV news, said Winkler-Esser, segments that showcased SBC’s final days and its attempt to bolster staff coffers amid the uncertainty of closure and the specter of unemployment.

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“We had lots of stock,” said Winkler-Esser, “so we told them they could sell everything and keep all the money and all the tips. We did that in both locations.”

In the TV clips, Assistant Manager Darwin Goh, a five-year SBC veteran, spoke of the brewery’s struggle and invited locals in to enjoy a last round of beer and bites while supporting the team in a cash-only fire sale.

“I counted the cash every single night,” he said, adding they raised about $15,000 that has helped him and other Maitland-based staff. “Rent is literally due this week.”

Esser, he said, told them to take whatever food they could, too. Goh has two kids he’s feeding with it now.

“Seeing the heartfelt support and enduring legacy of Sanford Brewing Company inspired us deeply,” Pathak said in a press release. “Brewlando is dedicated to fostering community and connection. We are thrilled to expand Brewlando while preserving everything that Sanford Brewing Company’s fans love — loyal staff, fantastic atmosphere, and of course, exceptional beer.”

After the TV segments aired, Pathak called the real estate broker, Winkler-Esser said, then sent CEO James Webb to Sanford to check out the operation. An offer soon followed.

“We had six,” said Winkler-Esser. “This was the the best fit on all levels.”

She’s grateful for the way things have worked out.

The Sanford building had been on the market since February as she and her husband, Christopher Esser, tried to keep the business they’d built afloat in a tough economy. It had been slow since April 2023, Winkler-Esser said, “but this summer was brutal on all of us — most of Sanford would tell you…. This year is what did it.”

The rising cost of labor, food and liquor were among the reasons Esser cited for their struggle in a recent Orlando Sentinel article.

Winkler-Esser added they were unable to secure a loan to keep the doors open.

On Tuesday, the Essers, along with about 20 Sanford Brewing staffers from both locations, visited the brand’s Hoffner Avenue brewery and taproom, where Pathak, Webb and several other staffers welcomed them into the fold.

Winkler-Esser expects the deal to close next week. Whether the founders will remain part of the operation is still up in the air, she said.

“Right now, we’re just helping them to get back open, which hopefully will be very soon. They have an ambitious timeline to get back to serving that great SBC beer.”

It’s bittersweet, of course.

“We’re brokenhearted. This is our life’s dream and our life’s work….” she said tearfully. “But ‘m as happy as I can be about it…. I feel like they’re going to take good care of the brand and the employees. At least we built something that will still be there. And I think Shara and her team will be good custodians.”

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