Chicago-based Private Equity Firm Acquires Michigan's HopCat Craft Beer Bar Chain
In a move that promises to shake up the craft beer scene in the Midwest, Uncommon Equity LLC has announced its acquisition of HopCat, a popular chain of craft beer bars founded in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The deal marks a significant milestone for the company, which will see Dan Kipp, co-founder and CEO of Uncommon Equity, join HopCat's board of directors.
According to Kipp, the acquisition is seen as an opportunity to carefully grow the HopCat brand while maintaining its focus on serving great food in a friendly atmosphere. The company has 12 locations across Michigan and one in Nebraska, as well as a separate restaurant called Stella's Lounge.
Project BarFly CEO Craig Stage, who will remain involved with the company, echoed Kipp's sentiments, stating that the transition is not about changing direction but rather continuing to bring people together. "We're excited to partner with Uncommon Equity and their experienced Operating Partners to invest in the team, new locations, and innovation while preserving the local and Midwest hospitality that has always defined the brand," Stage said.
The acquisition was announced earlier this week, although details of the deal were not disclosed. HopCat's founders have built a reputation for its diverse selection of rotating craft beers on tap and menu featuring burgers and signature Cosmik Fries.
The news is likely to be music to the ears of beer enthusiasts in Michigan and beyond, as HopCat continues to push the boundaries of what a craft beer bar should be. With Uncommon Equity at the helm, there's little doubt that the brand will continue to thrive and grow under new leadership.
In a move that promises to shake up the craft beer scene in the Midwest, Uncommon Equity LLC has announced its acquisition of HopCat, a popular chain of craft beer bars founded in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The deal marks a significant milestone for the company, which will see Dan Kipp, co-founder and CEO of Uncommon Equity, join HopCat's board of directors.
According to Kipp, the acquisition is seen as an opportunity to carefully grow the HopCat brand while maintaining its focus on serving great food in a friendly atmosphere. The company has 12 locations across Michigan and one in Nebraska, as well as a separate restaurant called Stella's Lounge.
Project BarFly CEO Craig Stage, who will remain involved with the company, echoed Kipp's sentiments, stating that the transition is not about changing direction but rather continuing to bring people together. "We're excited to partner with Uncommon Equity and their experienced Operating Partners to invest in the team, new locations, and innovation while preserving the local and Midwest hospitality that has always defined the brand," Stage said.
The acquisition was announced earlier this week, although details of the deal were not disclosed. HopCat's founders have built a reputation for its diverse selection of rotating craft beers on tap and menu featuring burgers and signature Cosmik Fries.
The news is likely to be music to the ears of beer enthusiasts in Michigan and beyond, as HopCat continues to push the boundaries of what a craft beer bar should be. With Uncommon Equity at the helm, there's little doubt that the brand will continue to thrive and grow under new leadership.
This is super exciting news for craft beer lovers everywhere! I mean, who doesn't love a good hoppy pint on tap? 
And it's great to see HopCat getting some serious backing from Uncommon Equity - they're gonna take the brand to the next level, no doubt. But you know what the best part is? The fact that Dan Kipp and Craig Stage are committed to preserving that 'local' vibe that makes HopCat so special. It's all about community and good times, right? So, bring on the new locations and innovation - I'm stoked to see where this takes us! 
dan kipp seems like a cool dude who knows how to keep the focus on serving great food & craft beers without losing sight of what made HopCat special in the first place 
it's not always easy to grow a brand, but if they're careful & stay true to their roots, i think this partnership could be a game changer for them 
so great, another big corp swooping in to save the day... or in this case, the craft beer scene in Michigan. HopCat's founders must've been like "screw it, we can't handle running our own business" 
'cause now they're just advising from the sidelines while Uncommon Equity tries not to mess things up too badly 
. And 12 locations? That's a whole lotta HopCat... I guess if you like burgers and beers, this is the place for you 
cant wait to see what kind of moves uncommonequity makes tho hopefully they keep up the same vibe as before, you know? love that they got craig stage on board too, he seems like a total beer nerd 
it was always about that community vibe and now its just gonna be another big company tryin to make a buck 
. Plus, who doesn't love a good craft beer? 
i've been to hopcat a few times and their selection of beers is always on point!! it's cool to see a local company like them get some major backing to help take the brand to the next level 
hope they keep up the good work with those cosmik fries too 
, hopefully it'll stay true to its roots & keep serving those amazing beers 
? dan kipp's vision for "careful growth" is code for "we're gonna mess with the formula, but we'll still make sure it tastes like home". good luck with that 
i know how much love and care dan kipp & craig stage put into buildin those beer bars, and now they get to have a partner who's gonna help take it to the next level 
. i mean, who needs local ownership or community involvement when you can have a fancy CEO with a nice haircut?