Tempe’s Sleepy Dog Brewery, which has been up for sale for several months, finally has a new owner – Chicago-based Two Brothers Brewing, which is expanding its footprint in the Valley.
Sources tell MXSW the sale was completed about two weeks ago, although no announcements have been made. Pressed for comment, Two Brothers owners Jason and Jim Ebels sent MXSW this statement:
“Since 2009, Sleepy Dog Brewery has brewed hand-crafted, specialty beers that have helped the company become a staple in the growing Arizona craft beer scene.
‘‘As fellow brewers in the local craft beer community, Two Brothers Brewing Company was recently presented with the opportunity to acquire this popular Tempe-based brewery in order to secure Sleepy Dog’s long term financial viability as a brand.
‘‘Bringing their local resources and 20 years of brewing experience, Two Brothers’ investment in this brand will insure that Sleepy Dog Brewing fans can continue to enjoy the Sleepy Dog craft beer they have come to love, as well as keep the local craft beer community vibrant and strong.
‘‘Sleepy Dog Brewery will continue to operate under the same name and location in Tempe, and will continue to produce great craft beer for its growing fan base.â€
Rob Sizemore and girlfriend Debbie Conforti opened Sleepy Dog on University, about a quarter-mile east of McClintock, in late 2009. The brewery’s ales have canine-themed monikers such as Wet Snout Milk Stout and Red Rover Irish Ale.
Sizemore, who served as brewmaster, and Matt Weber, the assistant brewer, are no longer associated with the brewery.
Two Brothers, which was founded in the west Chicago suburb of Warrenville in 1996, expanded to the Valley in January 2015, opening Two Brothers Tap House and Brewery in Old Town Scottsdale.
It also launched a Valley distribution company that distributes ales for more than a dozen other breweries, including Sleepy Dog.
