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California craft beer pioneer Stone Brewing is set to cut 220 jobs and exit three locations in Escondido, California, as its new owners restructure production following the brand’s sale by Sapporo USA.
The changes follow Sapporo USA's sale of Stone Brewing to Firestone Walker Brewing Company and Duvel Moortgat USA, completed on 15 May 2026. Under the new ownership structure, production of the Stone portfolio will gradually move to Firestone Walker’s brewery in Paso Robles, California and Duvel USA’s Boulevard Brewery in Kansas City, Missouri.
The restructuring will also bring an end to operations at Stone Brewing World Bistro and Gardens in Escondido, a venue known for its food offering alongside the brewery’s beer.
Despite the closure of the Escondido brewery, Stone Brewing’s beer portfolio will continue under its new ownership.
Firestone Walker and Duvel USA said they expect to hire a significant number of Stone employees across hospitality, sales and marketing as the business transitions to its new operating structure.
Firestone Walker will take responsibility for distribution in California, the western US, Texas and national accounts, while Duvel USA will oversee distribution east of the Rocky Mountains.
The Escondido restructuring comes amid a challenging period for independent craft brewing in California, with changing consumer demand, increased competition and the longer-term impact of the pandemic placing pressure on breweries and hospitality businesses.
Sapporo USA acquired Stone Brewing in 2002, before subsequently agreeing its sale to Firestone Walker and Duvel Moortgat USA. The acquisition did not include all of Stone’s former facilities. Four hospitality sites, including the beer garden at Liberty Station in San Diego and taprooms in San Diego, Oceanside and Pasadena, were included in the transaction.
