Yards Brewing Company, Philadelphia’s largest independent craft brewer, is set to be acquired by B3 Beverage Co., a contract manufacturing company.
The deal is expected to close later this month after the necessary PLCB approvals. The purchase price was not disclosed, but B3 Beverage will assume Yards’ existing debt and provide additional capital. The company invested $6.2 million into Yards in November to help pay down debt and provide working capital.
Yards founder Tom Kehoe and the brewery’s existing team are expected to remain with the company, with no disruption to operations or change to the brand at all.
Yards Brewing: A Philadelphia Craft Beer Staple
Yards was founded in 1994 when Tom Kehoe and Jon Bovit began brewing in a garage in Manayunk. After growing through several Philadelphia locations, Yards opened its current brewery and taproom at 500 Spring Garden St. in Northern Liberties in 2017.
Yards continued to grow as Philadelphia’s craft beer scene developed, eventually becoming one of the city’s best-known breweries. The move to Spring Garden in 2017 marked another major step for the company, giving Yards a much larger production facility and a permanent home for its taproom. The brewery has also built its reputation around Philadelphia-themed beers, including its Ales of the Revolution series, while becoming a staple at bars, restaurants and sporting venues throughout the region.
The brewery’s history also includes several notable moments, including the launch of its signature Philadelphia Pale Ale and the expansion of its beer lineup well beyond its original English-inspired ales. Today, Yards produces tens of thousands of barrels annually and remains one of the most recognizable names in Pennsylvania craft beer.
The brewery produced more than 46,000 barrels last year and is known for beers including Philadelphia Pale Ale, Trash Talk IPA, Philly Standard Lager and Brawler Champion Ale.
Yards became part of B3 Beverage in June 2025 alongside Bald Birds Brewing and Connecticut’s Two Roads Brewing. The companies created the business to provide contract manufacturing and packaging services while maintaining their individual brands.
Now, B3 Beverage is preparing to take ownership of one of Philadelphia’s most recognizable craft beer brands.
