**Appalachian Mountain Brewery Founders Reclaim Brand Amid Anheuser-Busch Controversy**
In a bold move, the founders of Appalachian Mountain Brewery (AMB), Nathan Kelischek and Chris Zieber, have bought back their brand from Anheuser-Busch InBev at a time when the latter is facing backlash for partnering with transgender activist Dylan Mulvaney.
Let’s look back in 2014 when AMB partnered with the Craft Brew Alliance (CBA) to boost its production and distribution. The Boone-based brewery then became part of Anheuser-Busch’s portfolio when the alcohol conglomerate acquired the CBA. With this partnership, AMB benefitted from a wider distribution reach, even securing a deal with Bojangles to release the popular Bojangles Hard Sweet Tea.
However, Kelischek and Zieber now believe it’s time to regain full control over their brand. The pair emphasized the desire for autonomy and a unfiltered customer experience, without the interference of a larger company. While they did not explicitly mention the ongoing Bud Light boycott as the reason for their decision, the timing is intriguing.
Anheuser-Busch has faced rough times recently, with Bud Light sales plummeting by more than 25% in the past few months. This decline has affected other Anheuser-Busch brands, and the company’s stock has tumbled as well. Though some may argue that the Bud Light controversy might not harm Anheuser-Busch’s popularity in the long run, especially given its extensive beer portfolio and global reach, this debacle is seen as a significant blow to the alcohol giant.
Indeed, small independent breweries being absorbed by the
