Original case from the South Bend Drewrys Brewery. From my breweriana collection.
Many locals will remember Drewrys Beer as a local brand brewed in South Bend until November of 1972, when the last case was shipped from the plant. For nearly 40 years, Drewrys was brewed in the original Muessel Brewing complex until it was taken over by G. Heileman Brewing Co. and eventually shut down. After decades, the new Drewrys Brewing Company announces plans to revive the historic brand in 2013 and return to it’s roots in South Bend.
Press release:
South Bend, Ind., January 7, 2013 — Drewrys Beer, once a popular brand throughout the Great Lakes region, is being revived. This announcement will take place at the South Bend Brewfest on January 12th. South Bend was home to this iconic working class brew at the height of its popularity, and the new owner intends to make South Bend a big part of the brand’s revival. Francis Manzo, a Chicago-based entrepreneur, acquired the Drewrys trademark and incorporated as the Drewrys Brewing Company in 2011.
With plans for the first bottles to roll off the line in 2013, Mr. Manzo has already taken several steps towards this goal, including SEC filings for an initial public offering. Though Drewrys was popular through the Midwest, Mr. Manzo plans to establish South Bend as ground zero for launch of the new product.
“For years, South Bend was Drewrys’ home and there are still folks here who worked in the brewery. Its departure came at a tough time for South Bend, but I think this community still has fond memories of this iconic brand. That’s why I wanted begin its revival right here in its original home town.”
Manzo is now seeking investors to bring the brand back to market as soon as possible. He intends to use contractors to brew the beer and is committed to involving the local community as much as possible. To demonstrate this commitment, he has retained South Bend-based PR and marketing firm Ugly Dog Media to help market the restored Drewrys brand.
Though the new Drewrys beer is still months away, the restored company will be introducing itself to South Bend beer lovers with a booth at the South Bend Brewfest being held this Saturday, January 12th at the Century Center. Those seeking more information or interested in investing in the company can find more information at the website at www.drewrys-bigd.com .
“We are looking to this community to bring the Drewrys brand back to life”, says Manzo. “South Bend has been through a lot since Drewrys shut down, and I’ve seen the incredible Renaissance that has been taking place in the city center. I am proud to be able to include Drewrys as part of South Bend’s economic resurgence.”
Drewrys was originally a Canadian beer company that expanded to the US after prohibition was repealed. In 1936 it took over the original Muessel Brewing complex on Elwood Road in South Bend and continued brewing there for nearly 40 years. Drewrys grew to become one of the most popular regional beer brands in the Midwest until the 1970’s when it was taken over by G. Heileman Brewing Co. and the South Bend operation was shut down.
Original Drewrys bottles from my breweriana collection.
Will the beer be brewed in South Bend ?
At this point, I do not have any further information, however, the press release states that the brewery will use contractors to brew the beer. They will have a table at the South Bend Brew Fest and I’m sure will be happy to answer questions at that time.
Please, it must be brewed in South Bend. This is the birth place of this famous beer! Any other place than South Bend would be an insult
I am working on getting an answer to this question and will post it as soon as I know more.
Seems like they are trying to make it sound like it will be in South Bend but
from SEC filing
SOURCE OF BEER FOR OUR BRANDS
To manufacture beer for us, we need to work with contract brewers to brew beer for us in the types and styles we plan to market. We may not be able to come to an agreement with a contract brewer to brew for us due to costs, production runs, time required to brew beer and have available for us when we have a order to deliver. Contract brewers may also have requirements and that we may be too small for them to work with us.
http://www.faqs.org/sec-filings/120307/DREWRYS-BREWING-CO_S-1.A/#summaryinfo
I’m afraid that may just be the case. I’ve asked the question directly to Drewrys PR and at this point, still no response.
It would be great to have it in S.B., but Drewrys was not actually born here..A group of Detroit investors had the license from Drewrys Canada to make the brand in the States..At first it was contract brewed, by Kiley Brewing of Marion, In., and also by Sterling in Evansville..The owners of the brand found a brewry that was for sale in South Bend…Muessel. Bought it in May of 1936…and Drewrys had a new home..
I agree with Veronica; brew in South Bend or forget it!!!!!
I have just posted an official response from Drewrys Brewing Company on this issue. See post for January 11, 2013.
I have heard contract brewed..Likely will be made in La Crosse Wisc at the old Heileman plant… (City brewing co…aka Midwest bev. packers) The former home to the folks that bought Drewrys and closed it in 1972. That is kinda weird..
I wouldn’t be to concerned about it being brewed in South Bend or not, they need help initially if they can build the brand profitably a
Brewery could come later.
When is the next South Bend Brew Fest? Hope Drewrys does come back. I loved the taste
The date for the second Annual South Bend Brewfest was changed to the second week in January this year. I believe that this is a permanent change, so look for the next event next January.
Any return of the Drewrys brand, especially with the original receipe, should be very welcome to the Michiana area and Indiana as a whole. My father was a bartender in Goshen, IN in the ’40′s -’50′s and Drewrys and also Hoosier (also made in South Bend until about 1950) were the best selling brands at his tavern. I hope it grabs hold and prospers. Live in Las Vegas now and out-of-area.
My grandfather worked for Drewry.,s in South Bend. He passed a year before I was born. I grew up knowing the brand and have collected everything Drewry’s I could find. Waiting for it to come back!!!