Consolidation Continues; Saugatuck Brewing Swallows Up Creston

The inevitable consolidation of breweries and brewers continues in West Michigan, in this case, aided by the pandemic that has affected many food and drink related businesses. Saugatuck Brewing Company has announced it is purchasing Creston Brewery and Tap Room at 1504 Plainfield NE in Grand Rapids.

WOOD-TV reports Saugatuck says it intends to keep the Creston name and will "continue to serve fan favorites." The sale and acquisition needs Michigan Liquor Control Commission approval.

This deal moves Saugatuck Brewing into Michigan's second largest market, in what is already a competitive marketplace. Several years ago, Saugatuck bought Kalamazoo's Gonzo's Bigg Dogg Brewing at Michigan and Westnedge Avenues. That location now is named Saugatuck Brewing Kalamazoo. In Grand Rapids, they'll be competing with a big brewer, Founders, just as they are in Kalamazoo, with Bell's. And Grand Rapids also is home to several other players in the craft beer game, including Perrin's in Comstock Park, New Holland Brewing has a location in downtown Grand Rapids-The Knickerbocker, and Brewery Vivant.

“COVID-19 obviously had devastating effects on the restaurant and brewery industry in Michigan, and it’s a tragedy that an up-and-coming brewery such as Creston had to permanently close its doors due to the impact. With this acquisition we really hope to rekindle the community magic that Creston radiated and help it once again become a staple of the Grand Rapids area.” - Saugatuck’s Creative Content Director Robert Antor via WZZM-TV.

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According to MLive, the Creston location was a DeKorne furniture store, and opened as a brewery and tap room in 2016.