COLUMBUS, Ohio — Cleveland Heights natives Travis and Jason Kelce are stepping into a new business venture.
Garage Beer, an Ohio-based brand, announced on Wednesday that the duo with Northeast Ohio roots will be teaming up as "significant owners and operators."
According to the beer company, the brothers will be involved in the brewing, distribution, sales, marketing and national expansion of the brand.
"It comes down to quality for me. I think everyone knows I like to have a couple beers now and then, so being an owner of Garage Beer and heavily involved in making the best light beer is exciting, man! There is nothing better to bring people together than an ice-cold beer, and for Jason and me that is what beer is all about – friends, family and fun. I have worked with Andy for years and I really trust the team and their approach to running the business. We look forward to taking Garage Beer to the next level," said Travis Kelce.
According to the press release, Jason, a retired Philadelphia Eagles center, and Travis, a star tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs and boyfriend of superstar Taylor Swift, have been talking about partnering in the beer industry for years.
"People crave quality and simplicity, and Garage Beer nails both for me. We are light beer drinkers and Garage is the best light beer," said Jason Kelce. "For me, the brand fits my lifestyle, and having a few beers is a great excuse to get the neighbors together."
Garage Beer was originally created in Cincinnati, where the Kelce Brothers played college football for the Cincinnati Bearcats following their days as Cleveland Heights Tigers.
The company's headquarters are now located in Columbus. Garage Beer, a 4% light beer, is currently sold in Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Missouri, West Virginia, Idaho, Montana and New Jersey.
"We want a beer that tastes like beer and one that keeps the stories alive in the neighborhood. Garage prides ourselves on small batch brewing and a commitment to quality. Ever since our first conversation with Travis and Jason, it was clear we had similar opinions about beer, but they also had brilliant, and very funny, business sensibility. Our team better be on their toes now," said Garage Beer co-owner Andy Sauer. "The garage is a symbol for building stronger communities one beer at a time, and I think we can all use more time with friends, family, and neighbors to talk, smile, laugh, and enjoy that time together."
Officials with Garage Beer say their plan is to expand the product into dozens of new states this year.