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February 20.2026

2 Minutes Read

How Drake’s Brewing and Figueroa Mountain Will Revolutionize West Coast Craft Beer

California craft breweries joint venture in a busy beer production line.

Big News in Craft Beer: Drake’s and Figueroa Mountain Join Forces

Drake’s Brewing, a staple in San Leandro’s craft beer scene, has officially announced a new joint venture with Figueroa Mountain Brewing. This collaborative effort, called West Coast Craft, aims to bolster the operational efficiency of both breweries while enhancing brand recognition throughout California. The partnership comes at a time when the craft beer industry faces numerous challenges, including a notable decline in brewery openings.

Strategic Benefits for Local Breweries

According to Drake’s CEO John Martin, this joint venture will allow both breweries to utilize shared resources while keeping their individual identities intact. 'This partnership positions both companies for long-term success while staying true to what made us successful in the first place,' noted Figueroa Mountain’s CEO Jaime Dietenhofer. The arrangement will allow for improved distribution channels, bringing more Figueroa Mountain beer to the Bay Area and vice versa.

Operational Changes and Innovations Ahead

Production dynamics will shift under this new collaboration. Figueroa Mountain’s facility will focus on core beer brands, while Drake’s will dedicate its efforts to innovation and craft unique limited releases. 'This is an operational shift, not a brand shift. The beer in your glass remains the beer you love,' co-owner Roy Kirkorian assured beer lovers.

The Impact of Recent Trends in Craft Brewing

As the craft beer market continues to contract, with more breweries closing than opening over the past couple of years, this strategic partnership exemplifies a forward-thinking approach in the industry. Recent data indicates that consumer drinking habits have shifted, necessitating innovative strategies for breweries to thrive. This move by Drake's and Figueroa Mountain may pave the way for future collaborations among independent breweries, reinforcing their shared commitment to community and quality.

A Bright Future for Craft Beer Lovers

This collaboration stands to benefit not just the breweries involved, but also their loyal customers throughout California. Beer lovers can expect exciting new releases while enjoying the trusted quality they’ve always appreciated. As the partnership evolves, both breweries aim to strengthen their community ties through events and local engagement activities.

If you want to keep updated on local developments in the San Jose area, including craft beer news and community events, make sure to follow our coverage. It’s a titanic shift in the craft beer landscape that reflects a commitment to quality and collaboration.

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How Drake’s Brewing and Figueroa Mountain Will Revolutionize West Coast Craft Beer

Big News in Craft Beer: Drake’s and Figueroa Mountain Join Forces

Strategic Benefits for Local Breweries

Operational Changes and Innovations Ahead

The Impact of Recent Trends in Craft Brewing

A Bright Future for Craft Beer Lovers

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