One year after being acquired by Sapporo USA for an estimated $165 million, Stone Brewing in Escondido is perfecting the process for brewing Sapporo beer. Stone Brewing is also gearing up to produce Sapporo at its second brewery in Virginia. While the new venture won’t affect Stone Brewing’s regular craft beer calendar, the company plans to invest approximately $20 million in Escondido and $40 million in Richmond, Virginia, for capital improvements and hire around 150 people in both locations. Despite this expansion, the company will retain its Stone brand for its hospitality branch, which includes taprooms and bistro locations.
