Over Zoom, on phone calls and during one 6 a.m. Then came the pandemic, and plans were put on hold. A few months later, Magliaro, La Rose and Zimmer met for coffee and discussed further.

The two breweries have informally discussed the possible sale since 2019 La Rose recalled chatting with Magliaro about the future of both breweries at that year’s Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer and realized there could be a fit. The deal, which includes the building, furnishings and equipment, is expected to close in late October. It will also give La Rose and Zimmer a taproom and a bottle shop where they can sell directly to consumers - one of the most reliable profit sources for a small brewery. The soon-to-be former Half Acre space will finally give Hop Butcher its own bricks-and-mortar operation.

“People like the variety we provide them and the ‘If you see it, buy it’ mentality. “There’s merit to not trying to fix something that isn’t broken,” Zimmer said. They plan to push the model forward in their new home.