Penn Brewery New Local Owners Take the Helm at Pittsburgh’s Oldest Brewery Just in Time to Celebrate its 40th Anniversary and the City’s Signature Oktoberfest

Penn Brewery New Local Owners:

Penn Brewery is entering a new chapter as a local ownership group takes the helm of Pittsburgh’s historic brewery just as it prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary. John Graf, CEO and president of Priory Hospitality Group, and beverage-industry veteran Eric Heinauer are leading the new ownership team, bringing deep Pittsburgh hospitality and brewing connections to one of the city’s best-known beer institutions.

The timing is significant for Penn Brewery. After filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy earlier in 2026, the brewery now has a new ownership group looking to continue operations while preserving its German brewing identity. The proposed asset transfer remains subject to approval by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, while the new owners have already stepped in to manage the brewery.

The transition arrives immediately ahead of Penn Brewery Oktoberfest 2026, with the historic North Side brewery scheduled to host its signature celebration September 18-20 and September 25-27. The event features German food, Penn beers, live music and the brewery’s distinctive cobblestone biergarten, providing a fitting setting for the next chapter in Penn Brewery’s history.

Here is the complete announcement from Penn Brewery about its new local ownership and upcoming 40th anniversary celebration.

PITTSBURGH, PA – Raise a stein! Pittsburgh’s historic Penn Brewery, the city’s oldest, and a true craft-beer pioneer since 1986, today announced that a local ownership group has signed agreements to acquire its assets and will work to protect its legacy and reignite its German roots.

Penn Brewery New Local Owners

Local hospitality leader John Graf, CEO and president of the Priory Hospitality Group, and beverage-industry veteran Eric Heinhauer (formerly of Wigle Whiskey, Straub, Iron City, and Penn Brewery itself) will lead the new ownership team. The announcement came during an exclusive press conference today at the iconic North Side brewery.

“This is thrilling news for Pittsburgh beer lovers,” said Graf. “Our team has deep, personal ties to this brewery, the local beer scene, and the Deutschnown neighborhood. We’re passionate about protecting this iconic Pittsburgh brand and returning it proudly to its authentic German heritage.”

“We’re stepping in to secure the future of this independent landmark as it celebrates its 40th anniversary,” added Heinhauer. “With roots reaching back to 1848, 20 Great American Beer Festival® and World Beer Cup® medals, and its proud status as the city’s oldest brewery, Penn is launching a vibrant new chapter under true local stewardship.”

Under the new leadership, Penn Brewery will continue craft-brewing exceptional German-style lagers, pilsners, and seasonal favorites while pouring fresh energy into Pittsburgh’s signature Oktoberfest.

The new Penn Brewery New Local owners noted that the final transfer of the Penn Brewery assets is subject to approval by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, while the ownership group has stepped in to manage the brewery immediately pending that approval.

Mark your calendars for the brewery’s epic Oktoberfest weekends September 18–19 and 25–26. The historic cobblestone biergarten will come alive with live music, authentic German fare, and flowing Penn Oktoberfest beer – the perfect way to toast both the season and this bright new era. Don’t wait. Come experience the renewed spirit of Pittsburgh’s original brewery and prepare for its 40th year!

Visit https://www.pennbrew.com and https://www.pennbrew.com/oktoberfest-2026

Relate Penn Brewery news from mybeerbuzz.com:
MyBeerBuzz.com has followed Penn Brewery through several important chapters, including its 2022 ownership transition to Pittsburgh businessman Stefan Nitsch, the brewery’s 2025 Kennywood collaboration mix pack, and its first-ever Penn N/A release.

You can read more about Penn’s history and recent beers in Penn Brewery Announces Sale of Brewery to Stefan Nitsch, Penn Brewery Releasing Kennywood Collaboration Mix Pack Cans, and Penn Brewery Releasing Penn N/A. MyBeerBuzz has also featured Penn Brewing’s Summer Variety Pack, including Penn Gold and Penn Kaiser Pils, as part of its long-running coverage of Pittsburgh beer.

About Penn Brewery

Penn Brewery is a historic Pittsburgh craft brewery with roots deeply connected to the city’s German brewing tradition. Established in 1986, Penn Brewery emerged during the early growth of Pennsylvania’s modern craft beer movement and has spent four decades producing German-style lagers, pilsners, seasonal beers and other traditional-inspired craft brews. The brewery is recognized as Pittsburgh’s oldest brewery and has become an important part of the city’s beer history and brewing culture.

Located on Pittsburgh’s North Side in the Deutschtown neighborhood, Penn Brewery occupies a historic brewery complex whose brewing roots reach back to the 19th century. That connection to Pittsburgh’s German heritage has remained central to Penn Brewery’s identity, particularly through its traditional German-style beers and annual Oktoberfest celebration. The brewery’s historic setting, German-inspired beer lineup and cobblestone biergarten have helped make Penn Brewery a destination for both local beer drinkers and visitors looking to experience Pittsburgh’s brewing heritage.

Over the years, Penn Brewery has earned recognition for its traditional brewing program, collecting 20 medals at the Great American Beer Festival and World Beer Cup, according to the brewery’s 2026 announcement. Its portfolio has included beers such as Penn Pilsner, Penn Gold, Penn Dark and Penn Oktoberfest, giving the brewery a strong connection to classic European beer styles while maintaining its identity as a Pittsburgh craft brewery.

One of the defining events on the Penn Brewery calendar is Oktoberfest, which brings German food, traditional beer, live music and festivities to the brewery’s historic North Side location. The event has become a signature Pittsburgh beer celebration and reflects Penn Brewery’s commitment to its German brewing roots.

In 2026, Penn Brewery entered another major chapter with the announcement that a local ownership group led by John Graf and Eric Heinauer had signed agreements to acquire the brewery’s assets. Graf, CEO and president of Priory Hospitality Group, and Heinauer, a beverage-industry veteran with previous connections to Penn Brewery, said the new ownership group intends to protect the brewery’s legacy while strengthening its connection to authentic German brewing traditions.

The transition comes as Penn Brewery celebrates its 40th anniversary, creating an important moment for one of Pittsburgh’s longest-running craft breweries. The final transfer of assets is subject to approval by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, while the new ownership group has stepped in to manage the brewery pending that approval.

Today, Penn Brewery Pittsburgh remains closely associated with German-style craft beer, Pittsburgh brewing history, Oktoberfest and the Deutschtown neighborhood. Its combination of historic surroundings, traditional beer styles, local ownership and four decades of brewing gives Penn Brewery a distinctive place in Pennsylvania’s craft beer landscape.

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