Notable Changes for Woodland’s Brewery

Key Takeaways

• Blue Note Brewing now owned by Hooby’s Brewing
• Founder Dave Towne retiring, assists transition for two months
• Courtney Stocking appointed manager of Woodland location
• Hooby’s Farm taproom reopening late this month
• Yolo County hosts ten breweries, market consolidation underway

Summary

Blue Note Brewing in Woodland has been sold to Hooby’s Brewing of Winters. Founder Dave Towne is retiring to Asheville but will stay two months to advise new manager Courtney Stocking. Hooby’s family also runs the seasonal Hooby’s Farm taproom, slated to reopen later this month. The change adds to Yolo County’s ten‑brewery landscape, where consolidation is emerging.

Pulse Analysis

The acquisition of Woodland’s Blue Note Brewing by Hooby’s Brewing marks a notable consolidation in Yolo County’s craft‑beer scene. Blue Note, launched in 2015 within a former newspaper circulation warehouse, built a loyal following with its rotating tap list and the 2023 addition of Blue Flame Kitchen pizza. By bringing the brand under the ownership of the Stocking family—already operators of Hooby’s in Winters and the seasonal Hooby’s Farm taproom—Hooby’s expands its geographic reach and leverages existing distribution channels, positioning itself as a regional player.

Yolo County, home to ten breweries ranging from Sudwerk in Davis to Jackrabbit in West Sacramento, has seen a surge in consumer interest for locally brewed ales and ciders. The transition at Blue Note could intensify competition, prompting nearby breweries to differentiate through specialty releases, collaborative brews, or enhanced taproom experiences. For patrons, the change promises continuity in quality while potentially introducing new beer styles drawn from Hooby’s portfolio, enriching the county’s overall beverage offering.

Beyond the immediate market, the deal reflects broader trends in the craft‑beer industry where small‑scale operators seek scale through strategic acquisitions. Consolidation can improve economies of scale, streamline supply chains, and provide capital for facility upgrades—benefits that may translate into job growth and increased tourism for the region. As Hooby’s Farm prepares to reopen, the combined brand presence could attract visitors from neighboring counties, reinforcing the economic vitality of Yolo’s burgeoning craft‑beer corridor.