By Bobby Tanzilo Senior Editor/Writer Published Jan 30, 2024 at 8:40 AM

Riverwest’s Company Brewing, 735 E. Center St., announced Monday that it is, “exploring new ownership or investment options as it matures into its next phase.”

According to owner George Bregar, no such offers have been received but, he says, “We are interested in plotting the best path for ourselves and the business, and wanted to put it out there that our doors are open to conversations about whatever that could be.

“Been doing this for a while now so it felt like a good time to possibly shake things up. Or not! Well see... There are a wide variety of scenarios that we can envision as we move forward.”

Bregar opened the craft brewpub and music venue in 2015 in the former Stonefly Brewing Co. space.

In the intervening years, Company has become a neighborhood favorite and has partnered with other breweries in the area to form the Riverwest Brewing Syndicate, which collaborates on beers and operates a free shuttle service that connects the member breweries’ taprooms.

“Our decision to explore new ownership options is a strategic move aimed at galvanizing our space as a center for community and great locally-made products,” Bregar said. “We are interested in preserving the essence of what makes Company Brewing special while embracing fresh perspectives and resources that share the desire to serve our community.

“As a thriving cornerstone of the Riverwest community, Company Brewing is excited to embark on this new chapter, opening doors for fresh opportunities while remaining committed to its loyal customers and community.”

I asked Bregar if he's still in for the long haul if no offers are received...

"Yes we are in it," he says. "Even after 9 years there is still a lot to be excited about."

Interested investors or buyers can reach Bregar by email at
george@companybrewing.com.

Bobby Tanzilo Senior Editor/Writer

Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., where he lived until he was 17, Bobby received his BA-Mass Communications from UWM in 1989 and has lived in Walker's Point, Bay View, Enderis Park, South Milwaukee and on the East Side.

He has published three non-fiction books in Italy – including one about an event in Milwaukee history, which was published in the U.S. in autumn 2010. Four more books, all about Milwaukee, have been published by The History Press.

With his most recent band, The Yell Leaders, Bobby released four LPs and had a songs featured in episodes of TV's "Party of Five" and "Dawson's Creek," and films in Japan, South America and the U.S. The Yell Leaders were named the best unsigned band in their region by VH-1 as part of its Rock Across America 1998 Tour. Most recently, the band contributed tracks to a UK vinyl/CD tribute to the Redskins and collaborated on a track with Italian novelist Enrico Remmert.

He's produced three installments of the "OMCD" series of local music compilations for OnMilwaukee.com and in 2007 produced a CD of Italian music and poetry.

In 2005, he was awarded the City of Asti's (Italy) Journalism Prize for his work focusing on that area. He has also won awards from the Milwaukee Press Club.

He has be heard on 88Nine Radio Milwaukee talking about his "Urban Spelunking" series of stories, in that station's most popular podcast.