Tri-Cities brewery ready to relaunch with 12 taps, 4 new owners and 1 experienced brewer
Sage Brewing Co. is heading in a new, if familiar, direction with four new owners, 12 taps and the original founder heading up brewing ops.
Tyson Crudup sold the brewery he founded in 2019 to two couples. He’s sticking around as head brewer to ensure the same craft brews stay on the menu.
“We’re so thankful for him,” said Sabrina Mercado, who bought Sage with her husband, Jason, and their long-time friends, Savannah and Joshua Boles in a deal that closed in early August.
Terms were not disclosed, but Mercado confirmed the new owners bought the business and took over Sage’s lease for its brewery and tap room at 8425 Chapel Hill Blvd.
The new owners will hold a party to relaunch the business starting at 1 p.m., Sept. 7.
The Mercados and their two young sons moved to the Tri-Cities from the Seattle area about three years ago, searching for a slower pace of life. She works as a fitness trainer, and he sells gym equipment.
While they don’t have a food service or brewery background, the Mercados have long made it a point to find fun, family-friendly spots. When Crudup wanted to sell Sage Brewing, it was the perfect opportunity to try something new.
The Mercados and the Boles are putting personal touches on the business to attract families and a broader array of customers.
They’ve added a children’s corner with games, play equipment and even tablets parents can check out for while. They’ve also expanded the beverage offerings, though Mercado vowed to keep two of Sage’s biggest sellers — Big Boss IPA and Broadmoor Blonde — on tap.
The new Sage also will serve Cooper Wine from Red Mountain, as well as ciders and other offerings.
They’re also creating snack packs — healthy foods for kids and bar snacks for adults.
The brewery does not prepare food, but encourages guests to patronize neighbors, such as Rancho Meat Market and Bombschelz Coffee Shop.
It also expects a local food truck to make Sage a semi-permanent location.
Crudup established Sage Brewing Company in Pasco in December 2019, shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
After surviving the rocky debut, thanks in part to the federal Payment Protection Program, Sage added a taproom at Kennewick’s Hansen Park Plaza in 2021, saying he’d always hoped to have several locations. The Kennewick taproom sold beer brewed in Pasco and dispatched in kegs by truck.
The Kennewick location struggled to find an audience and closed a year ago.
Mercado said Sage Brewing Company’s current owners will continue to distribute Sage Brewing offerings to local restaurants. The business is updating its hours and will be open six days a week.
Follow at facebook.com/sagebrewingcompany/ or sagebrewing.beer.