“Opening the new brewpub location in Rohnert Park has allowed us to connect with a new audience that we may not have necessarily reached in Healdsburg.”—Richard Norgrove, president and chief executive officer
It’s not just their award-winning IPA and thirst-quenching beers that lead Bear Republic Brewing Company to win Best Brewery this year, but also their philanthropic efforts throughout the community, as well as their contributions to the community during the October firestorm.
The brewery was established in 1995 by the Norgrove family, third and fourth generation Sonoma County residents. The brewery that once produced 1,200 barrels of beer per year, now produces more than 80,000—making it the 42nd largest brewery out of more than 6,000 in the country. Known best for their flagship beer, Racer 5 IPA, the brewery has won many awards, with worldwide recognition and an expanding empire throughout Sonoma County, with a production facility in Cloverdale, and a shipping and receiving warehouse in Asti, the original brewpub in Healdsburg and their newest addition in Rohnert Park.
Throughout its 22 years, the family-owned brewery has donated to organizations such as Rotary, The American Legion, the 4-H Foundation of Sonoma County, Cal Fire and more. Last year, the brewery donated more than $150,000. According to president and chief executive officer, Richard Norgrove, 2017 was a tough year for many, and Bear Republic was instrumental in assisting the victims of the Sonoma County wildfires. The brewery provided complimentary meals at both the Healdsburg and Rohnert Park brewpub locations, as well as funds directly donated to fire victims. They also offered salary continuation to all staff who lost work hours and pay during the wildfires.
Sonoma Pride—a one-of-a-kind brew available throughout the county—was released following the fires, and a portion of its sales is donated to fire victims. “Many of our distributors nationwide contributed to these efforts, making it a truly national effort,” says Norgrove. His son, brewmaster and chief operating officer Richard Norgrove Jr., also worked directly with St. Florian’s Brewery in Windsor to make a Mutual Aid beer. “Inspired by our desire to work together with other brewers and show our strength and support for each other, we worked directly with St. Florian’s to brew a batch of Mutual Aid beer,” says Norgrove. While the Brewmaster for St. Florian’s Brewery, Aron Levin, (also the Windsor fire captain) worked day and night to batch the beer, Norgrove, a former volunteer fire fighter, stepped in to help with ingredients and manpower, supporting the efforts while the local heroes saved the community.
Bear Republic opened its new Rohnert Park location in September of last year, their third brewery operation and the former site of Latitude Restaurant. The restaurant and brewery features outdoor dining, picnic tables, games and scenic views of the pond—a perfect spot for socializing. “Opening the new brewpub location in Rohnert Park has allowed us to connect with a new audience that we may not have necessarily reached in Healdsburg,” says Norgrove.
Fans of the brewery and their standout beers can rest assure that Bear Republic plans to maintain their long-standing commitment to quality and community. “Bear Republic is planning for the continuation of our commitment to brew outstanding ales and lagers that represent the long history of Sonoma County’s legacy.”
