Rohrbach Brewing Co. will have new leadership after more than three decades in operation.
The company on March 5 announced a transition in ownership to a new group led by long-time company leader Joel Will and his brother Nathan Will, both natives of Brockport.
Rohrbach Brewing Co., which was founded in 1991 by John Urlaub and Patty Yahn-Urlaub at the old German House in Rochester, is the oldest craft brewery in the Rochester area. The company operates the Rohrbach Brewpub, which opened in 1995 in Ogden, and the production brewery, which opened in 2008, and beer hall, which opened in 2016, in Rochester’s Market District.
“It’s been a great run,” said Urlaub, who noted while giving up ownership he is hoping to ease into retirement and stay with the company and transition to a sales role.
Who are the new Rohrbach Brewing Co. owners?
Rohrbach’s employs more than 85 team members and distributes its beers throughout the region through longstanding wholesale and retail partnerships, according to the company’s announcement.
Joel Will, who will assume the role of president and chief operating officer, started at Rohrbach’s at its brewpub. That’s where he met his wife, Jessica, and built a career spanning nearly two decades within the organization. Will most recently oversaw day-to-day operations across the business.
Joel Will said in a statement that after 35 years of business, Rohrbach’s has become a special place for many in the Rochester community.
“This is particularly true for me,” Joel Will stated. “I met my wife while working here, formed countless friendships, and found a passion for craft beer. I am beyond grateful to John and Patty for the years of mentorship that have led to this moment, and for the trust that they have placed in Nathan and me to carry on what they have built. Our focus is simple — honor what has made this brewery special, support our team, and continue serving Western New York with the same passion and quality that have defined Rohrbach’s from the beginning.”
Nathan Will, who will serve as chief executive officer, brings more than three decades of leadership and executive experience in complex business operations in international energy, finance and real estate.
Nathan Will stated that it’s a privilege to partner with Joel and the entire Rohrbach team to help carry forward the legacy the Urlaubs built, while supporting the brewery’s next chapter in a way that stays true to its roots in the region.
The new leaders emphasized that Rohrbach’s identity, team, and commitment to quality will remain unchanged. The brewery will continue to operate its brewpub and Beer Hall.
Urlaub said the Will brothers are taking over a company that’s not in any way struggling, in an industry that needs to adapt. They will be positioned really well to continue to grow, Urlaub said.
“People know them. Our staff knows them,” Urlaub said. “They know our customers, not only the ones who come into the restaurant but the ones we sell beer to — it’s going to be an easy transition.”
A bittersweet moment for Rohrbach Brewing founder
When Rohrbach got its license in 1991, Urlaub said his was the 142nd active brewery in the country. He said he is proud to be one of the close to 10,000 breweries operating in the country now.
The transition serves as definitely a bittersweet moment for Urlaub, but he said he is happy and it will be a “great transition.”
“Even though the industry is going through some challenging times, we’re doing really well and I love what I do,” Urlaub said. “I’ve been very lucky.”
Recent Rohrbach Brewing news
Earlier this year, the Rohrbach Brewing Co. announced its purchase of the Young Lion Brewing brand from K2 Brothers Brewing. Young Lion formerly operated in Canandaigua.
“We’re also excited about our acquisition of Young Lion and look forward to carrying on one of the region’s most loved and respected brands within the Rohrbach brewing portfolio,” Nathan Will stated.
Ontario County and writes the Eat, Drink and Be Murphy food and drink column. He can be reached at mmurphy@messengerpostmedia.com. Follow him on X at @MPN_MikeMurphy.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Rohrbach Brewing Co. announces new ownership in Rochester
Reporting by Mike Murphy, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
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