Ownership of Railway City Brewing is returning home to St. Thomas.
Earlier this month, Railway City announced it has signed an agreement to return the brewery to local ownership.
This marks the beginning of a new chapter focused on celebrating its roots, investing in its future and strengthening its connection to the community.
The new ownership group includes founder Paul Corriveau and the current Railway City Brewing team: Darin Tucker and Jeremy Tokarcyzk, along with Bryan White and Becky White.
Entertainment Arts Research Inc., a U.S. diversified beverage and media group put an offer in to acquire Railway City Brewing in 2022. That fell through and, instead, the brewery was acquired by SymBev, a Canadian adult beverage company that also picked up beer brands CRANK Lite Lager of Oakville and Locker Room Lager out of Toronto.
However, as Corriveau explained, the relationship with SymBev put financial strain on Railway City’s operations
Corriveau continued, “Realistically, we’re a local brewery and we lost our way because obviously you become a conglomerate. Everyone’s viewpoint was, ‘Oh, they sold. They’re no longer local.’ And it impacted us.”
Railway City Brewing was founded in 2008, among the early class of craft brewers in Ontario.
Corriveau added the return to local ownership should be completed by next month, at the latest.
The goal, according to Corriveau, is to bring back some of Railway City’s popular brands.
He noted in addition to reviving past brands, a priority is to “upgrade where we can.”
To celebrate the return to local ownership, is hosting a Back on Track Relaunch Celebration this Satuday (Aug. 22).
Bryan White of the ownership team added, “Railway City has been part of the fabric of St. Thomas for nearly two decades. We’re proud to be part of its next chapter. This brewery has a remarkable history, a great team, and a loyal community behind it.
“We’re excited to build on that foundation and help ensure Railway City Brewing remains an important part of the St. Thomas community for years to come.”
Written by Ian McCallum
