SAN FRANCISCO — In a notable shift within the craft beer industry, two prominent Bay Area breweries, Fort Point Beer Company and HenHouse Brewing Company, have announced a merger under the newly formed entity, Fort Point HenHouse Inc. The collaboration will allow both brands to maintain their independent identities, portfolios, and taproom experiences while benefiting from shared production and growth.
The merger is seen as a strategic move to enhance both companies’ ability to grow locally while preserving their unique culture. Fort Point HenHouse CEO Justin Catalana explained that the union “future-proofs” the business by doubling production and sales volume without sacrificing the independent, local focus that both brands are known for. “Many craft breweries are turning to national expansion or corporate acquisition to secure long-term success, but Fort Point and HenHouse have always chosen to forge our own path,” Catalana said. “This collaboration allows us to stay true to our values while growing in ways that make sense for our community.”
The trend of smaller, like-minded craft breweries forming partnerships, rather than pursuing large-scale acquisitions, has been growing. This merger reflects the increasing number of craft beer collaborations, such as those between Left Hand and Dry Dock or Lord Hobo and Lone Pine. Christina Shatzen, Fort Point’s marketing director, highlighted this shift in focus: “We don’t want to compete with brands in cities like Denver or Seattle. We’re committed to being the best craft beer company in the Bay Area and see ample room for local growth even as a mid-sized brand.”
Looking ahead, Fort Point HenHouse is projected to produce around 40,000 barrels of beer and cider by 2025, positioning it as the fifth-largest craft brewery in Northern California. The combined company will operate from two facilities: a production brewery in Santa Rosa and an R&D brewery in Petaluma, ensuring the consistency and quality that both brands are known for.
The merger also reflects the complementary nature of the two breweries, whose products and cultures align while still offering distinct differences. “We share similar values, 91% of our distribution overlaps, and we trust each other,” Shatzen noted. “We don’t compete on flagship beers, which allows us to serve different audiences while strengthening our overall presence.”
The leadership team at Fort Point HenHouse will consist of the five co-founders who helped define the vision of each brewery. Fort Point’s Justin Catalana, Dina Dobkin, and Mike Schnebeck will retain their positions as CEO, Chief Brand Officer, and Chief Financial Officer, respectively. HenHouse’s Collin McDonnell and Shane Goepel will take on roles as Chief Sales Officer and Chief Production Officer, ensuring continuity and alignment in the operational strategy.
Both companies have long been recognized for their commitment to quality, freshness, and local community engagement. Fort Point, founded in 2014 in San Francisco, is renowned for its flagship KSA Kölsch Style Ale and its expanding line of non-alcoholic beers. HenHouse, founded in Sonoma County in 2013, is famed for its “Incredible Pale Ale” and seasonal Big Chicken Double IPA, with a reputation for offering some of the freshest beers in the region.
Despite the growing pressures facing the craft beer industry, both Fort Point and HenHouse have consistently outperformed trends, and this merger is expected to further solidify their positions within the competitive Bay Area market.
“We’re not looking to expand beyond the Bay Area, which is a key differentiator for this merger,” McDonnell said. “With Fort Point in San Francisco and HenHouse in Sonoma County, our distinct flagship beers and product portfolios create a clear path for local growth. This partnership is not about competition, but about complementing one another and continuing to serve our community.”
As the industry continues to evolve, the founders of Fort Point HenHouse aim to reshape the future of craft beer, not just for their own brands, but potentially for other like-minded breweries in the Bay Area. “Our shared vision is about longevity and creating a great workplace for our employees,” said Dobkin. “We hope to lead by example, and maybe even build a broader collective of craft breweries in the future.”
About Fort Point Beer Company
Founded in 2014, Fort Point Beer Company is a San Francisco-based brewery known for balancing innovation with accessibility. Its flagship beer, KSA Kölsch Style Ale, has earned widespread recognition, alongside the brewery’s expanding non-alcoholic options. Fort Point operates two locations in San Francisco, including a popular taproom at the Ferry Building.
About HenHouse Brewing Company
HenHouse Brewing Company, founded in 2013 in Sonoma County, prides itself on offering fresh, flavorful beers that foster community engagement. Its flagship “Incredible Pale Ale” and annual Big Chicken Double IPA have become staples for beer enthusiasts in the region. HenHouse operates three taprooms across Santa Rosa, Petaluma, and Novato, each offering a vibrant atmosphere with local food trucks and live music.
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