Overview
- The Martin brothers announced Thursday that they plan to retire and will close Triple Rock Brewery and Ale House at the end of the year while the pub remains open through the UC Berkeley fall semester.
- Triple Rock, which the company and local coverage describe as the oldest continuously operating brewpub in the U.S., has brewed an estimated 10 million pints since its 1986 opening.
- Owners told staff of the planned shutdown and said some long-term employees may be offered positions at other businesses the family still operates, such as Drake’s and Bear Republic affiliates.
- The brothers own the 1920 Shattuck Ave. building and intend to offer the property for lease or sale after operations end, while the pub will host farewell events including archival beer returns and nights with 1986 pricing.
- The closure spotlights broader pressures on the beer industry from falling alcohol sales and recent local brewery shutdowns and raises the possibility that the site could reopen under new ownership in the future.