Owner Pete Kirkwood has announced the sale of a controlling interest in The Workshop Brewing Company to a local buyer pending approval from the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC). Amber Carr of Cedar - who has previous experience working in the brewery at Right Brain Brewery and as bar manager at Identity Brewing Company - plans to buy a majority stake in the company, with Kirkwood retaining a minority stake. 

The Ticker reported in December that Kirkwood was looking for a buyer for Workshop, located on Garland Street in downtown Traverse City. The company also includes sister location Kingsley Local Brewing, which opened in 2023. In addition to craft beer, cider, and wine, Workshop received its small distiller’s license in 2024, which allows it to serve cocktails and sell bottled spirits at both locations.

Carr says her orignal goal was to start a brewery of her own. "But with two fully-staffed, licensed, and operational locations, a devoted customer base, a great reputation for products and service, and just a super cool brand, investing [in Workshop] was much more efficient than starting from scratch," she says. "Especially considering that I have always loved the Workshop. It’s been a haven for me in hard times, and it’s a place that embodies community for me."

Kirkwood calls Carr a "perfect cultural fit to take over the reins," noting she's "passionate about carrying on our craft, about taking care of our customers, our supporters, and our team, and about honoring our community-minded business philosophy." Carr says she plans to maintain the basic business model of the company. "We don’t aim to make big changes," she says. "We just want to freshen things up a little."

According to Kirkwood, the proposed sale is under review by the MLCC and will be finalized upon MLCC approval. Carr is working at Workshop part-time in the meantime. Kirkwood notes that existing club member benefits and gift cards will continue unaffected by the sale.