News Summary
Good People Brewing has acquired the former Ghost Train Brewery site in Birmingham, enhancing the local craft beer scene. With 95,468 square feet of space, the brewery aims to expand its operations while keeping the Avondale brand intact. The acquisition is part of Good People’s strategy to grow its legacy, and it will ensure all Avondale employees remain on board, promising innovation and exciting offerings for beer enthusiasts.
Good People Brewing Takes Over Former Ghost Train Brewery
Exciting news from the heart of Birmingham! Good People Brewing, the oldest brewery in Alabama, has officially acquired the former Ghost Train Brewing site located at 3501 1st Avenue South. This big move brings a significant boost to the Magic City’s craft beer scene and takes the company’s local presence to the next level. The brewery, which boasts an impressive 95,468 square feet of space, was purchased for a hefty $5.2 million from M2 Ventures LLC.
A Growing Legacy
Good People Brewing has been a beloved fixture in Birmingham since it first opened its doors back in 2007. Over the years, the company has expanded its footprint in the brewery scene and is now looking to grow even further with this new acquisition. In 2017, Good People Brewing also added Avondale Brewing to its portfolio, showcasing its commitment to celebrating local craft beer.
The acquisition of Avondale Brewing Company was part of a larger deal, where Avondale Holdings acquired the brewery and its assets.
Seamless Transition
Notably, Good People Brewing plans to keep the Avondale brand thriving and will ensure that day-to-day operations at the Avondale brewery and taproom continue as usual. The Sour Room, which is the charming tasting room neighboring Avondale, will also be managed by Good People Brewing. It’s refreshing to hear that no layoffs are expected as a result of this acquisition; all employees from Avondale Brewing will remain on board.
Avondale Brewing Company, founded by brothers Coby and Hunter Lake in 2011, is known for its vibrant outdoor venue that has hosted an array of performances while crafting quality brews. Producing approximately 6,000 barrels of beer annually, the brewery reached new heights by increasing its beer sales by an impressive 16% last year, totaling 4,630 barrels.
Innovation on the Horizon
With the combined forces of Good People Brewing and Avondale Brewing, fans of craft beer can expect nothing short of an exciting future! Good People sold about 14,000 barrels of beer last year and projects a notable increase, aiming to reach around 17,000 barrels by year’s end. The two breweries are actively exploring collaboration opportunities in various areas such as sales, marketing, and even brewing, promising innovative offerings that could enchant local beer lovers.
Retaining Local Charm
In line with their vision, both breweries have decided that merging their brand names wouldn’t be beneficial for consumers. This means the name and location of Avondale Brewing will remain unchanged, preserving its unique charm in the local community.
As for the Sour Room, which opened about 14 months ago, its focus on barrel-aged sour beers has already begun to capture the hearts of craft beer enthusiasts across the region.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Birmingham’s Brewing Scene
Good People Brewing’s flagship site has gained considerable recognition near Regions Field, solidifying its place in the local craft beer scene. The future is looking bright for craft beer lovers in Birmingham as Good People Brewing strengthens its legacy while breathing new life into former Ghost Train Brewing and Avondale Brewing.
With exciting new brews and lush collaborations on the horizon, it’s safe to say that the Magic City just got a whole lot more magical for beer fans!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Heat Alerts Across 20 States as Summer Sizzles On
Birmingham to Host Vibrant Events from April 24 to April 30, 2025
Great Birmingham Bake-Off to Support People with Disabilities
Southern Visions Expands Sweet Tea Production in Bay Minette
Montevallo Bids Farewell to Slice Pizza & Brew
Birmingham Celebrates the Opening of Alicia’s Coffee
Birmingham Welcomes Alicia’s Coffee: A Community Hub
Alicia’s Coffee: Brewing Community Connections in Birmingham
Trump Targets Leadership Changes at USPS
February 2025: Events and Activities in Birmingham
Additional Resources
- Bham Now: Good People Brewing Expands Birmingham Footprint
- Google Search: Good People Brewery
- AL.com: Good People Brewing Celebrates
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Brewery
- VinePair: Snake Handler Alabama IPA
- Google News: Craft Beer in Birmingham
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
