THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2013
PAGE 3
NEW OWNER, SAME BEER
After 24 years, Boulevard brewery is sold
CODY KUIPER
ckuiper@kansan.com
One of Kansas City's most popular and iconic businesses is now under new, international management. Boulevard Brewing Co., the popular brewery founded in Kansas City in 1989, announced on Thursday that it will be sold to Belgian brewing company Duvel Moortgat.
In an open letter on Boulevard's website, owner and founder John McDonald wrote that his age played a role in the decision to sell the company.
"I'm not getting any younger, and the long-term future of the brewery we hasighed on my mind for the past several years," he wrote. "After long discussions with my family, we determined that we wanted to find a way to take Boulevard to the next level while retaining its essence, its people, its personality - all the characteristics that make our beer and brewery so important to Kansas City and the Midwest."
the deal is expected to be done by the end of the year, but the specifics of it have not been released.
McDonald added that he would remain involved with the brewery and keep his seat on the company's board of directors, and that the company will remain in Kansas City.
MAN ON THE STREET
Lawrence bartenders and beer-lovers gave the Kansan their opinions on the brewery being sold.
Edited by Casey Hutchins
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What do locals think of the switch?
"I think it's a little sad his kids couldn't take over and keep it, but I understand how that stuff goes. It was our thing in Kansas City, so it's just really sad to see it go."
JESSICA CHRISTENBERRY
BARTENDER AT BURGAR STAND
"From what I've heard, they're going to keep the beer business the same and just open up the distribution, so it might make it better that it's going to be more national if not worldwide. It will be nice to travel and see something that reminds you of home a little bit."
"It makes sense. I think if there was a company they would sell to, Duvel is it. They're a cool, international, good beer company."
MIKE HARMON
BARTENDER AT JACKPOT
RYAN POPE,
OWNER OF THE BOURGEOIS PIG
"I looked up Duvel, and I saw that they bought a lot of other companies in the New York area, and they kept everything the same. I'm actually kind of happy about it, because it seems like they can infuse quite a bit of money and broaden it."
GABE MONTEMAYOR
BARTENDER AT QUINTON'S
JEFF BURKHEAD LAWRENCE, KAN.
"There's a sadness because it's a Kansas City beer, and I think we all took pride in that it was a local beer. Even though we might not notice a change, it's still going to be different. We all took pride it gained this national, and apparently now international recognition."
"You know that [John McDonald] is a man of taste and quality, and one who won't make a rash decision based on money, so I respect his decision. It would be catastrophic though if they change anything, because it's perfect the way it is."
BRENDA CLEVENGER KANSAS CITY, MO.
"I think it's kind of disappointing. It's sad that a local brewery sold out. It probably won't affect my personal drinking or purchasing of it, but still, it's disappointing to me."
KATRINA WEISS
LAWRENCE, KAN.
Until the 1940s, any women admitted to the KU school of nursing had to be unmarried and remain so until she graduated.
Information based on the Douglas County Sheriff's Office book recap.
POLICE REPORTS
- A 19-year-old male was arrested yesterday on the 900 block of Iowa Street on suspicion of criminal damage to property. A $100 bond was paid.
- A 19-year-old male was arrested yesterday on the 1400 block of Alumni Place on suspicion of consumption or possession of liquor in public, unlawful use of driver's license and purchase, possession or consumption of alcohol by a minor. A $300 bond was paid.
- A 22-year-old male was arrested yesterday on Kansas Highway 10 on suspicion of pedestrian under the influence. A $100 bond was paid.
- A 20-year-old male was arrested Saturday on the 300 block of 14th Street on suspicion of purchase, possession or consumption of alcohol by a minor, possession or consumption in public and unlawful use of driver's license. A $300 bond, was paid.