FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TRIPLE ROCK, AMERICA'S OLDEST CONTINUOUSLY OPERATING BREWPUB, TO CLOSE AFTER 40 YEARS IN BERKELEY
Brothers John and Reid Martin look toward retirement after more than four decades at the helm of one of America's pioneering brewpubs.
BERKELEY, Calif., September 17, 2026: Triple Rock Brewery & Alehouse, the oldest continuously operating brewpub in the United States, expects to conclude its run towards the end of 2026, after more than 40 years of brewing beer, serving up burgers, and bringing people together in Downtown Berkeley.
Founded by brothers John and Reid Martin, Triple Rock opened on March 14, 1986, when they were just 25 and 28. Originally established as Roaring Rock Brewery, it was among the first five brewpubs to open in the United States after Prohibition.
From the beginning, Triple Rock helped shape what would become today's craft beer industry. "In the early days, many times we would have to explain what a 'brewpub' actually was," said John. "The City of Berkeley didn't understand it and told us that our microbrewery needed to be in an industrial part of town, not in the Downtown business district. "Reid added, “you have to remember that in those days there was very little small-batch beer made in America, it was almost all industrial stuff produced by huge breweries.”
What began as two brothers' shared passion for brewing, neighborhood taverns, and great beer grew into one of the landmarks of the American craft beer movement. Over four decades, generations of customers have gathered at Triple Rock for rounds of beers, first dates, college reunions, Cal game celebrations, after-work pints, late-night burgers, and countless afternoons that, for many, have become lifelong memories. Triple Rock brewed 5,884 batches – equal to more than 41,000 total barrels and over 10 million pints.
The decision to close comes as the brothers begin looking toward retirement. "After 40 years, we are ready to spend less time navigating the day-to-day and more time exploring some of the other things we have put off along the way," said co-founder John Martin.
Triple Rock expects to remain open through the end of the Cal fall semester. The Martins, who own the building, say that the Downtown Berkeley property will likely be offered for sale or lease.
Triple Rock's influence extends far beyond the beer served in Berkeley. Many brewers who developed their craft at "The Rock" went on to establish or lead respected breweries across the country, among them Shaun O'Sullivan (21st Amendment Brewery), Rodger Davis (Faction Brewing), Christian Kazakoff (Canyon Club), and Teri Fahrendorf (Steelhead Brewing Brewmaster and founder of the Pink Boots Society). As Fahrendorf has often said, "I believe that in American craft brewing, there are only about six degrees of separation between almost any craft brewer and the legacy of Triple Rock."
Present Brewmaster Jeff Kimpe, formerly of Pyramid Ales and Drake's Brewing, has been stirring the mash and creating a cutting-edge beer lineup for over 12 years. “Jeff’s contribution in the brewery cannot be understated,” said Reid. “His creativity, and his ability to build on Triple Rock’s traditions, has always made for a unique and delicious beer board.”
The Martins are equally proud of the hundreds of bartenders, cooks, servers, managers, and support staff who helped make Triple Rock what it became. "Triple Rock was never just the two of us," John Martin said. "It was built by generations of incredible employees who gave so much of themselves to this place, and it was supported by our community that kept showing up year after year. We are enormously proud of the people who worked here and deeply grateful for everything they contributed."
For now, Triple Rock is open and operating as usual, with fresh beer flowing from the taps and burgers and pub favorites coming out of the kitchen. Rather than treating the coming months as a prolonged goodbye, John and Reid hope customers will see this time as an opportunity for reunion. "We would love to see the community stop in to enjoy a few pints with friends, tell stories, and take in the old-school atmosphere while it remains," said John. "Oh man, there are too many Triple Rock memories for just one final visit," added Reid.
The infamous Thursday Monkey Head Nights will continue, along with special throwback celebrations featuring 1980s pricing, the return of favorite seasonal and specialty beers from Triple Rock's brewing archives, and other events celebrating the brewery's long Berkeley history.
Current and former customers, employees, and friends are also invited to contribute a story, memory, or photograph to the Triple Rock Memory Wall at: https://www.triplerock.com/memory-wall
Media Assets and Interviews
John and Reid Martin are available for interviews, as are several Triple Rock alumni brewers and industry stalwarts, who can speak on the brewpub and its influence on American craft brewing. Photography, including archival images from Triple Rock's early years, and current photos of the brewpub are available at: triplerock.com/photos
About Triple Rock Brewery & Alehouse
Founded by brothers John and Reid Martin and opened on March 14, 1986, Triple Rock was the fifth brewpub established in the United States after Prohibition. Located at 1920 Shattuck Avenue in Downtown Berkeley, Triple Rock has spent more than four decades brewing handcrafted beer and serving classic American pub food. Its signature beers include IPAX, Red Rock Ale, Pinnacle Pale Ale, and Black Rock Porter, served alongside up to 10 seasonal and specialty brews.
Triple Rock Brewery & Alehouse
1920 Shattuck Avenue
Berkeley, California 94704
www.triplerock.com
Media Contact:
John Martin; john@triplerock.com