Fargo Brewing Company has been acquired by Minnesota’s True North Brewing

The familiar clink of a Fargo Brewing beer bottle opening is poised to return just in time for the holidays, bringing a beloved local brand back to taps and liquor store shelves. Stone’s Throw Scottish Ale, one of Fargo Brewing Company’s original and most recognized beers, is expected to reappear in early to mid-December thanks to a partnership with Minneapolis-based Fulton Beer and a larger collective called True North Beverage. It's welcome news for a community that remembers the brewery as more than just a place for a pint; it was a hub for connection, celebration, and a sense of Fargo pride.

The History of Fargo Brewing

The story begins with Aaron Hill, Jared Hardy, John Anderson and Chris Anderson who cofounded Fargo Brewing Company in 2010. Initially brewing at Sand Creek in Wisconsin, the company expanded and established its downtown Fargo brewery and taproom at 610 N. University Drive in 2013. Fargo Brewing quickly became a community fixture, hosting street fairs, concerts and special events that brought neighbors together. The brewery’s branding was intentional – its name proudly declared Fargo, and tap handles often mirrored the iconic Fargo Theatre marquee—a visual connection to the city’s heritage.

The connection between Fargo Brewing and Fulton goes back more than two decades, rooted in college days. “I went to college with the guys who founded Fulton,” Hill told The Forum. “They were kind of like our big brother when we started as the brewery in Black River Falls, Wisconsin, called Sand Creek. That was actually how Fulton started too; they contract brewed with Sand Creek.”

During its 11 years in business, Fargo Brewing became a fixture in the community, prioritizing local customers and relationships. “Not chasing flashy things, but you know, kind of trying to be a staple in the community,” he said. Hill, who frequently traveled throughout the Midwest promoting the brewery, said he felt he was representing more than just a beer brand. “I would travel all over…with Fargo kind of slapped all over for me, and I felt like we weren't just selling beer, you know, we were selling the community too,” he said.

Challenges and Closure

However, the COVID-19 pandemic dealt a devastating blow. The brewery’s business model relied heavily on sales to bars and restaurants, and when those businesses were forced to close or operate with severe restrictions, Fargo Brewing faced an insurmountable challenge. “We relied so heavily on selling kegs to bars and restaurants as well as doing our own stuff, so that whole thing just kind of smashed us in the teeth,” he said. Ultimately, the company filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy in April 2024 before announcing its closure in November 2024.

True North Beverage and the Acquisition

The revival of Fargo Brewing is part of a larger strategy by True North Beverage, a collective founded by Fulton that aims to support established regional breweries. Fulton, founded in Minneapolis in 2009, began exploring this concept about a year ago, building on existing relationships within the industry. In December 2025, Fulton began taking a closer look at how it could work with other independent breweries to strengthen their businesses. Around that same time, Bemidji Brewing approached Fulton about an acquisition. The two companies had already maintained a production partnership for about three years.

The discussions helped set the foundation for True North Beverage, which was publicly announced in August 2026. FINNEGANS, another Minnesota-based brewery, had joined the group just over two years earlier. Ryan Petz, Fulton Beer CEO and co-founder, explained that True North is not simply looking to acquire breweries but to foster a “family of brands,” each retaining its unique identity while benefiting from the collective’s resources. Petz emphasized that True North is selective, stating, “We're certainly not out there to try to save or bring up every single one, just because it's not possible.”

The Deal Itself

With Fargo Brewing, Petz and Fulton reached out to former classmate and longtime brewing industry friend Hill and the other former owners during the summer to explore the possibility of reviving the brand. “It’s a cool opportunity because it meant something to people, not only the people in the business, of course, but the bars and the restaurants and people who drink the beer,” Petz said. “It’s a really cool opportunity for us to bring back something that people cared a lot about.”

Returning Brands and Flavors

The first Fargo Brewing beer to return will be Stone’s Throw Scottish Ale, a 4.5% ABV beer known for its malt-forward flavor and notes of caramel, toffee, toasted bread, cocoa and honey. The beer will be brewed at Fulton’s Minneapolis facility, with the original recipe being brought back with help from Hill and other former Fargo Brewing owners. Petz said recreating the brand has required some additional work because the Fargo company had been closed for two years. Original recipes were kept safe, and some historical materials were available through the former owners, but since the company's email accounts, social media and websites were deleted, they didn't have everything on hand. “It’s different than acquiring a business that was ongoing to this day, because there's a lot of stuff where we're kind of picking up and recreating from what we were able to get,” Petz explained.

The effort has included recreating the original can designs, with new packaging intended as an homage to the beer's earlier appearance. Fulton also plans to bring back the familiar Fargo Brewing tap handles, allowing customers to recognize the brand at bars and restaurants. Petz expects Stone’s Throw to return in early to mid-December, although an exact release date had not been determined as of publication. The beer will be available in cans and on draught through Fargo-area distributor Bergseth Bros. Bars within the distributor's territory will be able to order it; customers can ask their local establishments about carrying it, and liquor stores like Happy Harry's will soon have them in stock.

Petz identified Kenny's Lemonade, a popular summer radler, as a likely candidate for a future release. He also mentioned the brewery’s Oktoberfest beer, known as O Fest, along with Wood Chipper and Iron Horse as other former favorites that could eventually return. The timing of those releases has not been determined, he said.

The Future of Fargo Brewing

While the Fargo Brewing brand is returning, its former downtown brewery and taproom has taken on a different identity. The building at 610 N. University Drive is now home to The Shop, a coworking space featuring several businesses, including Sign Badgers, Event Badgers and Bruno's Coffee.

Hill said

Jenna’s Take on the Return

Seeing Fargo Brewing return is more than just a win for beer lovers; it’s a testament to the strength of community and the enduring power of shared memories. It's easy to get discouraged when businesses close, especially those that become interwoven with the fabric of our daily lives. The closure of Fargo Brewing felt like losing a piece of what makes Fargo, Fargo – a place where neighbors gather, friendships are forged, and local pride runs deep.

What’s particularly encouraging is the thoughtful approach True North Beverage is taking – preserving the brand’s identity while providing the resources for it to thrive. It highlights how collaboration and a commitment to shared values can lead to remarkable outcomes. As we celebrate this return, I hope it serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting our local businesses, not just with our dollars, but with our presence and our encouragement.

It’s also a moment for reflection. The pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in many business models, particularly those reliant on brick-and-mortar sales and events. While Fargo Brewing’s story is ultimately one of revival, it’s crucial to consider how businesses can adapt and diversify to weather future storms. Strong families, faith rooted in community, and local businesses working together—that's the bedrock of a thriving Fargo.

Resources for More Information

For those interested in learning more about Fargo Brewing’s return and supporting the brand, here are some helpful resources:

• Fulton Beer: Information on True North Beverage and its breweries.
• Bergseth Bros.: Fargo-area distributor for Fargo Brewing beers.
• The Shop: The coworking space that now occupies the former Fargo Brewing location.
• City of Fargo-Moorhead: Information about local businesses and events.
• Fargo Chamber of Commerce: Resources for supporting local businesses.
• North Dakota Department of Agriculture: Information about North Dakota’s agricultural industry.
• Happy Harry's: Local liquor store chain that will carry Fargo Brewing products.
• USDA Certified Organic: Information about organic farming practices.
• Minnesota Brewers Guild: Supporting Minnesota’s craft beer industry.

The return of Fargo Brewing is a reminder that even after challenging times, community and connection can prevail. It’s a cause for celebration and a beacon of hope for the future of local businesses in Fargo.