USA, WA: Rooftop Brewing Company to take over Maritime Pacific Brewing in Ballard

It’s the end of an era for Maritime Pacific Brewing (1111 NW Ballard Way)—after 35 years, the owners are retiring and Rooftop Brewing Company will take over its location in Ballard, My Ballard reported on March 28.

George and Jane Hancock opened Maritime Pacific in 1990—long before the Ballard Brewery District took shape. Its original location was off Leary, and they moved to 1111 NW Ballard Way in 2010.

The Hancocks, who have been planning their retirement, connected with Rooftop Brewing Company co-owner and general manager Craig Christian, who was looking for a new location after a fire forced him to close the Interbay brewery last year.

“What could have marked the end for two beloved Seattle institutions instead became an opportunity for something new,” Christian wrote in a statement. “Rooftop will carry on Maritime’s legacy while bringing its own spirit to Ballard—ensuring both breweries’ communities have a home for years to come.”

Rooftop is taking over operations at Maritime Pacific, and the new iteration will be a combination of both Rooftop and Maritime. The Jolly Roger Taproom—aka “The Jolly”—will remain open and will serve both Maritime and Rooftop beers and favorites from the menu, such as Jolly Sliders and Smokers.

“Last year’s fire was a devastating blow to Rooftop. The prospect of rebuilding and reopening was daunting, to say the least. But when the opportunity to both reopen in an established brewery location and help carry Maritime’s legacy into the future—it just felt right,” Christian said.

Rooftop Brewing, founded in 2012, has been closed for eight months since the fire. Christian said it will take some time to ramp back up Rooftop’s brewing operations, but in the meantime, they’ll continue to serve Maritime beer. They also plan to expand the community spaces at the brewery, such as the outdoor patio space in front.

“After 35 years, stepping away isn’t easy—but knowing it’s in good hands is a real comfort. It’s always been about community, and our best memories are filled with the people who made it all possible,” George Hancock said. “Jane and I raise a pint to this next chapter.”

“It is an honor to continue George and Jane’s legacy,” Christian said. “That day when regulars of Rooftop are sitting next to the regulars at the Jolly, choosing from a tap list of the best of Rooftop and Maritime’s beers… that will be a special day.”

They expect to be open in early April.

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