Since opening Newport Brewing has been listed for sale atleast 3 times. The first was in April 2021, less than 2 years after opening, with the steep asking price $6,500, 000 and including the brick and mortar pub with seating for 100, the property including 21 parking spaces spanning on 4 bay & bridge view lots and including all real estate, brewing and kitchen equipment, fixtures, and the branding – really the entire package.
Becksted told the New School that things were going great business-wise but he had taken over brewing duties while looking for a new brewer and was having trouble running both the brewery and his real estate and investment firm. At the time he touted distribution across the state with Bigfoot and Wine warfare, and plans to sign on with Fort George Distribution as well. It was a plan to test the market as well he said, looking for either a full buyout or a 49% stake partner. “Putting it on the market for 60 days and pulling it if we don’t find a suitor and going to let it grow for another 12 months and try it again,” said Becksted.
Newport Brewing did not sell and in January of 2023 the brewery was re-listed
“We put the brewery and restaurant including the Real Estate back for sale at a very attractive price of $3,695,000 this week which basically is Real Estate value, Equipment Value & Inventory with a small amount for the business,” said Becksted. “We love the business but as our kids grow, we are ready to move on to a less hectic lifestyle. We have a grandkid now and one left in high school, so we feel this is a good time.”
