Bays Mountain Brewing Company Under New Ownership
KINGSPORT, TN – After more than half a decade in the brewing industry, the original co-founders and owners of Bays Mountain Brewing Company have bid farewell to their brainchild. The seasoned ownership torch has been passed to three devoted employees, marking the beginning of a new era for the local brewery.
Jim Goetz and Mike Kochemba have decided to pursue different life paths, leading to an ownership change at the brewery. The new co-owners of this thriving brewing company are none other than Elijah Ellis, and the couple, Lesley and Dan Cheevers. Elijah, Lesley, and Dan are long-serving employees of the brewery who have spent years learning the nuances of the business.
A Smooth Transition of Ownership
The seeds of this ownership transition were planted last year when the original owners realized their life goals were evolving. Acknowledging their diminishing passion to run the brewery, Goetz and Kochemba began considering the possibility of selling the business. Given their exposure and commitment to the business, Ellis and the Cheevers seemed like the perfect candidates to continue the brewing legacy.
Elijah Ellis, a Kingsport native, mentioned his desire of owning a brewery that goes back 13 years. After joining Bays Mountain Brewing Company in 2019, Ellis quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the head brewer in June 2021.
Lesley and Dan Cheevers, who also serve as pastors at a local church, found a unique way to connect with the community through the bar. Joining the brewery as bartenders in 2021, the couple gradually learned different aspects of the business, leading to shared ownership of the brew-house.
Expectations from New Leaders
The original owners have high hopes for the new leadership, backing them to do great things and foster growth at the brewery. Emphasizing the crucial role these three played in operating the business, Mike Kochemba expressed his satisfaction knowing the brewery will be under their tutelage.
Goetz shared a similar sentiment, reassuring the community that the brewery was being left in “capable, skilled, safe hands”. Recognizing that change is inevitable, he shared his optimism, expecting enhancements under the new ownership.
Future Plans of Bays Mountain Brewing Company
Although the new leaders are primarily focused on handling the business aspects right now, they are also brewing up new ideas for the future. Among these are plans to introduce new beers and potentially extend the operational hours of the brewery.
The Bays Mountain Brewing Company continues to charm the local community from its Commerce Street location. With the transfer of ownership, it is expected to flourish even more while preserving the quality and character it is known for.