Anchor Brewing Company is America’s first and oldest craft brewery. Founded in 1896 by German brewers Ernst F. Baruth and Otto Schinkel, Jr. Over the next 60 years, Anchor moved around San Francisco, survived two world wars and Prohibition, and in 1965 was facing closure. Fritz Maytag, a recent Stanford graduate, bought 51% stake in the brewery, and changed its course forever. By 1975, Maytag had revitalized the brewery, and was producing four different beers that, while predating the term “craft beer,” were the finest craft beers in San Francisco. By 1979, demand had outgrown their location and Anchor Brewing moved to its current location on Potrero Hill in San Francisco. In 2010, after 45 years of stewardship, Fritz Maytag sold his controlling stake in Anchor Brewery and retired, leaving operations in the hands of Keith Greggor and Tony Foglio. Keith and Tony are committed to preserving the traditions that has made Anchor Brewing; such as their copper brewhouse and their signature steam beers.