Hamdi Ulukaya, founder and CEO of Chobani, has acquired San Francisco’s Anchor Brewing Co., a historic craft beer company established in 1896. Announced on May 31, 2024, the exact purchase price has not been disclosed. Anchor Brewing, known for its Anchor Steam and Christmas Ale beers, had been experiencing financial difficulties due to factors like the pandemic, inflation, and increased market competition, leading to its closure in July 2023.

Ulukaya expressed excitement about revitalizing the brewery, citing his affinity for San Francisco. Previously, Sapporo, a Japanese brewery, had purchased Anchor Brewing in 2017 for approximately $85 million. Despite efforts by unionized employees to buy and run the brewery as a co-op, Ulukaya’s Shepherd Futures family office now owns its assets.

San Francisco Mayor London Breed and others have lauded the acquisition, although some critics question if the brewery can maintain its community-oriented essence under the new ownership.