Football stars Jason and Travis Kelce become co-owners of Ohio’s Garage Beer

First off, Garage Beer is a great Midwest craft beer brand owned by Braxton Brewing Co., based in Covington, Kentucky (greater Cincinnati), and brand investment marketer Andrew Sauer. In response to the brand’s fast growth trajectory, Braxton and friends even turned Garage Beer into a separate business in 2023, Garage Beer Co., headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. Last year, we noted Garage Beer had grown a crazy +252% in 2023, becoming the No. 1 selling craft light beer in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. Last year, Garage Beer also doubled its state distribution and widened its retailers by opening up in Chicago, Philadelphia, Nashville and beyond.

Now, there’s even bigger news. Two of the most famous footballers in the world are joining the Garage Beer family. NFL stars Jason and Travis Kelce are teaming up off the field as “significant owners and operators” of this growing beer business, according to the press release. The Kelce brothers, known for their prowess on the football field — Jason with the Philadelphia Eagles and Travis with the Kansas City Chiefs — are also passionate about beer and business. For years, they have discussed partnering together in the beer industry. Their goal was to find the right opportunity with a brewery and brand that matched their values: high quality, customer-focused and fun. Through a prior relationship, they discovered Garage Beer and spent the past two years laying the groundwork to join the company. From the press release:

“People crave quality and simplicity, and Garage Beer nails both for me. We are light beer drinkers, and Garage is the best light beer,” said Jason Kelce. “For me, the brand fits my lifestyle, and having a few beers is a great excuse to get the neighbors together.”

Now, as significant investors, partners, owners and operators, Jason and Travis will be involved in every aspect of the business. Their roles will encompass brewing, distribution, sales, marketing and national expansion efforts. Consumers can expect to see retail displays, social content, billboards and other promotional activities featuring the Kelce brothers soon. The duo are already all over the Garage Beer website.

Garage Beer originated in Cincinnati, Ohio (or at least across the Ohio River) where both Jason and Travis played college football for the Cincinnati Bearcats. The company headquarters is now located just north in Columbus, Ohio. Currently, Garage Beer is sold in Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Missouri, West Virginia, Idaho, Montana, and New Jersey, with plans to expand into many more states this year.

“It comes down to quality for me. 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, man! 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,” added Travis Kelce.

Andy Sauer, co-owner of Garage Beer, shared his enthusiasm for the partnership. “We want a beer that tastes like beer and one that keeps the stories alive in the neighborhood. Garage prides itself on small batch brewing and a commitment to quality. Ever since our first conversation with Travis and Jason, it was clear we had similar opinions about beer, but they also had brilliant, and very funny, business sensibility. Our team better be on their toes now. The garage is a symbol for building stronger communities one beer at a time, and I think we can all use more time with friends, family, and neighbors to talk, smile, laugh, and enjoy that time together.”

Garage Beer is a 4% ABV light lager beer with 95 calories and 3 grams of carbohydrates, available in classic regular and lime varieties. Go grab one, and we’ll keep you updated on how this brand will evolve.