Mark Rieth Reacquires Atwater Brewery from Tilray Brands

Detroit, Mich., June 4, 2026 — In a major development for the Detroit craft beer industry, longtime Detroit entrepreneur Mark Rieth has announced that he has entered into a definitive agreement to reacquire Atwater Brewery, bringing the iconic Michigan craft brewery back under local Detroit ownership. Rieth previously owned and operated Atwater Brewery from 2005 to 2020, guiding it through explosive growth and helping cement Atwater as one of Michigan’s most recognizable craft beer brands.

Rieth originally sold Atwater to Tenth and Blake Beer Company, the craft division of Molson Coors Beverage Company, in 2020. In 2023, the brand changed hands again when it was acquired by Tilray Brands, a company that has aggressively expanded into the beverage alcohol space. Now, in 2026, Atwater Brewery is returning to its Detroit roots.

Rieth emphasized the emotional significance of the move, saying his heart “has always been with Atwater,” and that he is “thrilled to have the brewery back in my hands.” He acknowledged the stewardship of both Tenth and Blake and Tilray, but stressed that local ownership brings a deeper, more authentic connection to Detroit’s neighborhoods, community organizations, and craft beer culture.

“Atwater has always been more than just a brewery,” Rieth said. “It’s a hometown Detroit brand that has shown up for the community through events, partnerships, and civic engagement. That’s the hallmark of Atwater Brewery, and I’m excited to strengthen those connections and continue producing world‑class Detroit beer.”

Founded in Detroit’s historic Rivertown district, Atwater Brewery has been a leader in Michigan craft beer for more than 30 years. Its flagship beers — including Dirty Blonde Ale and Vanilla Java Porter — remain staples across Michigan and in multiple states nationwide. Atwater’s German‑inspired lagers and distinctive ales helped define Detroit’s craft beer identity long before the city’s brewery boom.

Rieth has spent his career championing Detroit‑made and Michigan‑made products, investing in regional brands and revitalizing legacy companies. After selling Atwater, he launched FÜL Beverages, a beverage company focused on non‑alcoholic drinks, functional beverages, and beyond‑beer innovations. In 2025, he acquired Velvet Peanut Butter, a nearly century‑old Detroit brand known for its “Fresh. Pure. Delicious.” promise. Rieth has since expanded Velvet’s distribution and is now relocating Velvet’s offices and distribution operations to the Rivertown complex, alongside a new brand‑immersion retail space called Velvet House.

Because Rieth retained ownership of Atwater’s historic brewery real estate when he sold the brand in 2020, the 2026 transaction reunites the Atwater brand, brewery equipment, and intellectual property under his control. Rieth also continues to own Lansing Brewing Company, and he plans to build stronger collaboration between his breweries as part of a broader Michigan craft beverage strategy.

“Getting Atwater back under my control is something I’ve wanted almost since the day I sold it,” Rieth said. “This is a full‑circle moment. Like we say at Atwater: Born in Detroit. Raised Everywhere. I’m happy to be home.”

The transaction is expected to close in summer 2026, marking one of the most significant ownership shifts in the Michigan craft beer landscape in recent years.