GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — It is anticipated that the founders will take on the role of brewer for a beer brand that the Kelce brothers control in part.
Earlier this month, Founders gained clearance for two labels for Garage Beer, a brand that is partially owned by brothers and football players Jason and Travis Kelce. These filings were made with the Treasury’s Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau.
“I have great respect for the business that Founders has built and the quality standards that they have for all of their products as a brewer,” Garage Beer co-owner Andrew Sauer told News 8 partner Crain’s Grand Rapids Business, which first reported on the expected partnership.
He told Crain’s the partnership is still in the early stages, and “we are not at a place to comment too much.”
When News 8 contacted the Founders for comment, they did not respond right away.
Ohio, the home state of the Kelce brothers, is where garage beer first got its start. It was revealed in June that the Kelce brothers would assist in running the company and had grown to be “significant” owners.
With plans to grow, Garage Beer was available for purchase in 13 states as of June, including Michigan.
“People crave quality and simplicity, and Garage Beer nails both for me. We are light beer drinkers and Garage is the best light beer,” Jason Kelce said in a June release. “For me, the brand fits my lifestyle, and having a few beers is a great excuse to get the neighbors together.”
His brother, who is dating Taylor Swift, said for him, it comes down to the brand’s quality.
“I think everyone knows I like to have a couple beers now and then, so being an owner of Garage Beer and heavily involved in making the best light beer is exciting,” Travis Kelce said in the release.
“There is nothing better to bring people together than an ice-cold beer, and for Jason and me that is what beer is all about — friends, family and fun. I have worked with Andy for years and I really trust the team and their approach to running the business. We look forward to taking Garage Beer to the next level.”
