ATHLETIC BREWING GETS BOOST FROM CELEBRITY INVESTORS
Stratford’s Athletic Brewing, a leader in non-alcoholic craft beer, has announced partnerships with highprofile celebrity investors, including professional athletes, a world-renowned chef and the founder of a socially conscious shoe company.
Pro football stars J.J. Watt and Justin Tuck, cyclist Lance Armstrong, Momofuku restaurateur David Chang and TOMS founder Blake Mycoskie are backers for the quickly-growing Athletic brand. In about three years’ time, Athletic has outgrown its 12,000 barrel capacity at its Connecticut brewery and expanded to a new San Diego facility nearly 10 times the size.
“When we began Athletic Brewing, we knew that we had the potential to take nonalcoholic beer out of the penalty box and open up new occasions for the beer industry,” said Athletic cofounder Bill Shufelt in a statement. “The fact that Lance, David, Blake, Justin and J.J., who are leaders in their own professional and personal endeavors, would see the value in our pursuit to offer a life without compromise, greatly validates our mission and sets us on the path for mammoth success in 2021 and beyond.”
“I feel fortunate to have discovered Athletic Brewing during their early days,” Watt said. “Bill and his team at Athletic have not only created an incredible tasting nonalcoholic beer, they have also shown an immense commitment to philanthropic efforts and protecting the environment.”
Athletic produces a full portfolio of N/A beer, including its flagship “Run Wild” IPA and “Upside Dawn” golden ale. Seasonal and limited release beers have included a stout, cream ale, autumn brown ale and Mexican light copper.
Shufelt was inspired to start the company through his own wellness and fitness journey, as he evaluated his
health before he was about to get married. On Athletic Brewing’s “About” page, he describes how he gave up alcohol as part of his lifestyle changes.
“Alcohol-drenched nights and weekends that resulted in unproductive hangovers and unhealthy meals had no place in a demanding financial career that required 24/7 focus,” he wrote. “So, I made the choice to cut alcohol out of my life and I have never looked back.”
Unsatisfied with the non-alcoholic beer options available to him, he began doing market research, and teamed up with brewer John Walker to launch what would become Athletic. The brewery was named one of the “World’s Most Innovative” companies in 2020 by Fast Company magazine.
Athletic’s Stratford brewery is at 350 Long Beach Road. The taproom is currently closed, but curbside pickup is available. Athletic beers are also available in retail stores throughout Connecticut and for purchase online. 843-507-4783, athleticbrewing.com.