New South Wales-based craft brewery Mountain Culture Beer Co has finalised its acquisition of Tasmania’s Fox Friday Brewing.
The deal will see Fox Friday’s Hobart taproom transform into Mountain Culture Hobart and the Richmond brewpub become Mountain Culture Melbourne, with both rebranding operations expected to take place in July.
The Moonah Hotel & Cellars, which is owned by the company, will continue as is, while Carwyn Cellars will be sold to the Carwyn family and the Fox Friday Perth Brewpub will be sold to an independent brewery in Western Australia.
The news comes after Fox Friday and its subsidiaries were placed into voluntary administration in April following significant financial challenges.
Mountain Culture CEO and Co-Founder DJ McCready said the acquisition is a “big move” for the company, which began as a small brewpub in Katoomba.
“Buying Fox Friday’s assets gives us a chance to create new fans and most importantly, new local communities,” he said.
“Connecting with them in the most authentic way possible… in person, at our pub.”
“Right from the start, it was important to us that we did what’s right for the craft beer community in each location,” McCready said.
The company plans to retain most staff at the Hobart and Melbourne venues, which will continue operating under the Fox Friday brand until the official rebranding in July.
During the transition, Mountain Culture beers will gradually appear on taps and in fridges.
“Harriet and I both love Tassie. In some ways it has similarities to the Blue Mountains. Everyone has been so welcoming since the announcement and we’ll be looking to work with all the locals to build something special,” McCready said.
“Look out for lots of exciting local collaborations and events to come, including our first year as the official beer of Red Bull Hardline.”
