Penn Brewery Faces Sheriff’s Sale

The future of Penn Brewery in Pittsburgh is uncertain after the building that houses the brewery was scheduled for a sheriff’s sale on June 1, raising questions about the long-term stability of one of the city’s oldest beer brands.

The sale follows a bankruptcy filing in April by owner Stefan Nitsch, who said at the time that the move was a “strategic tool” meant to secure a “stronger future.” Nitsch also owns the building, which includes other businesses besides the brewery. In a statement shared with KDKA-TV on Thursday, he sounded less certain about what comes next.

“While we do not know what the future may hold, we do not believe the sale itself will have any immediate direct impact on brewery operations beyond the possibility of a new landlord,” Nitsch said. “As we understand it, any future changes involving the brewery’s portion of the property would require a formal lease non-renewal and legal eviction process.”

The opening bid for the property is set at $2,720, according to the report, suggesting that Nitsch failed to pay a debt tied to the building. The low bid underscores how little financial room remains around the property even as the brewery continues to operate.

Penn Brewery has been part of Pittsburgh’s beer history for decades. The site itself has been used for brewing since 1848, and when Penn Brewery opened in 1986, it was among the first craft breweries in the country. The brewery is known for its German-style beers and for preserving features from its earlier life as a brewing site.

“German immigrants built the beer garden,” manager Amy Huseman said Thursday. “We have original lagering caves in there before refrigeration was commonplace.”

For now, business is continuing as usual at the brewery, including its Halfway to Oktoberfest celebration scheduled for Saturday. But customers and former employees said they were worried about what a change in ownership could mean.

“I hope that it continues on,” said Tom Auchter, a customer and former longtime employee. “I think it’s important for most people in Pittsburgh that this place stays here.”

Auchter said he was troubled by news of the sheriff’s sale and wanted any new landlord to understand that there is still demand for what Penn Brewery offers. “There’s a whole bunch of good beer to be sold here and drank,” he said. “So, I’m here to help.”