Hardywood acquires Crozet's Starr Hill Brewery in all-equity deal
Both breweries will keep brewing at their current sites and keep their taprooms, the companies say.
CHARLOTTESVILLE - Richmond-based Hardywood Park Craft Brewery has acquired Crozet's Starr Hill Brewery in an all-equity deal, the two companies said in a joint release Oct. 7. The transaction closed Oct. 1, according to the release, which says Starr Hill's ownership, leadership, staff and brand will stay in place.
Both breweries will keep brewing at their current locations and keep running their existing taprooms, the companies said. Together the two brands operate nine taprooms in Virginia. Employees of both businesses will remain in their current jobs while the companies are integrated, according to the release.
Hardywood's Kate Lee will oversee day-to-day operations as chief operating officer, and longtime Starr Hill vice president Josh Cromwell becomes chief financial officer of the combined business, the release says. The companies, which formed an operational partnership in 2025, cited NielsenIQ data ranking them first and second among Virginia craft brewers by volume.
The release does not disclose a purchase price or how many people work at Starr Hill's Crozet brewery.
Source: Hardywood Park Craft Brewery and Starr Hill Brewery joint release, "Hardywood and Starr Hill Join Forces in Landmark Deal, Uniting Virginia's Premier Craft Brewers" https://www.hardywood.com/press/hardywood-and-starr-hill-join-forces-in-landmark-deal-uniting-virginias-premier-craft-brewers