Bend’s 10 Barrel sale official; small changes brewing

One of our biggest stories of 2014 was the sale of 10 Barrel to Anheuser-Busch. That sale is now official — and things are changing.

But according to 10 Barrel, any changes people will see will be minor and, in their opinion, positive.

“There is a lot of excitement going on for sure, but there were a lot of questions going into it, understandably so,” Garret Wales, vice president of pub operation, said Thursday.

There have been questions from their biggest fans about the seemingly unavoidable changes.

“Really, there aren’t very many changes from the outside looking in,” Wales said.

One big change for pub-goers: no more liquor.

Since the sale, it’s all beer and wine.

“Just as simple as a licensing change, you know. It has to do with license requirements, and unfortunately it wasn’t something we will be able to keep,” Wales said.

They will be able to keep expanding in other areas.

“We are working on the wine program expanding. We are looking at adding some more beer taps down there,” Wales said.

Their most important focus is their 10 Barrel family.

“Continue the programs we’ve been doing, continue the growth that we’ve been doing,” Wales said.

Kegs and barrels will soon arrive with the name Anheuser-Busch on them, instead of 10 Barrel.

In the meantime, they’re working with professionals to make the transition seamless.

“We are starting to work with these people, and the transition team is here, and we are really getting a feel for how this is going to play out,” Wales said.

So the biggest change? One you won’t see.

“Behind-the-scene changes have been really, really positive both for the brand and for the people involved in it. So that’s been exciting, and the most obvious change for sure,” Wales said.

The owners also discussed their charity of-the-month program. With Anheuser-Busch’s power, it will be bigger than ever.

First on the list is an employee who recently was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.

Brewery bosses say they are excited to support her in any way possible and will hold a fundraiser later this month.