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Viva Beer and Alamo Beer Company Unite to Craft a Bold Future for San Antonio’s Beer Scene

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SAN ANTONIO, Texas – In a union that promises to enhance San Antonio’s craft beer community, VIVA Beer and Alamo Beer Company are thrilled to announce their merger. This exciting merger will bring together the best of both worlds, creating a powerful synergy that will strengthen their shared commitment to crafting exceptional, approachable beer for the San Antonio community and beyond.

For VIVA Beer co-owners, Micheal (MJ) Johnson and Bobby Jones, their innovative style, self-distribution model, and contract brewing partnerships fueled their rapid growth since 2019, and they have become a San Antonio favorite at a rapid pace. After a fortuitous meeting with Alamo Beer Company in 2022, Johnson and Jones saw the Alamo Beer Co. team taking the helm of brewing operations for VIVA. The result was a dynamic partnership built on shared values and a deep passion for San Antonio.

Johnson, co-owner of VIVA Beer, states this merger is not only an exciting next step but also a testament to the mentorship and support they’ve received from the Alamo team. “Eugene has been a mentor of ours since we started. With the help of the Alamo team, we know we can continue to grow the brand throughout San Antonio and beyond.” Jan Matysiak, Alamo Beer’s new VP of Operations and talented brewmaster, is excited to lead the brewery team in continuing the VIVA recipes of their much-beloved craft beer to an even larger fan base.

Eugene Simor, owner of Alamo Beer Co., shared his enthusiasm for the merger, stating, “I have been really impressed with how quickly VIVA has grown and how the beer has resonated with San Antonio.” It was only 20 years ago that Simor was delivering kegs out of his minivan all over San Antonio, and the similarities with VIVA’s growth shed some light on why this is a special event for both companies. Be sure to look for VIVA Beer’s “Ale Camino” which is rigged with taps to pour beer from the back. Some things never change.

As the craft beer scene in San Antonio continues to grow, this merger promises an exciting future, with both VIVA Beer and Alamo Beer Company working hand in hand to craft exceptional experiences, celebrate the essence of San Antonio, and raise a toast to the vibrant craft beer culture that defines our beloved city.

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Alamo Beer Company Appoints Jan Matysiak as VP of Operations

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SAN ANTONIO, Texas – Brewing expert and Weihenstephan graduate, Jan Matysiak, is set to bring his two decades of experience in the brewing industry to San Antonio’s Alamo Beer Company.

With a background spanning operations management, quality assurance, supply chain, and product innovation, Jan Matysiak has a record of transforming breweries’ bottom line and driving substantial growth, and now brings his experience to Alamo Beer Company.

Matysiak, a native of Germany, began his journey at the esteemed brewing program at the Technical University of Munich-Weihenstephan, earning a degree in Brewing Science. His journey in the brewing industry started with a position as QA/QC Assistant Manager at Memminger Brewery in Bavaria. Matysiak then expanded his horizon and moved to the United States to explore the burgeoning craft brewing sector.

His exploration led him to a leadership role at Sixpoint Brewery, which he describes as a “great experience.” His involvement in the launch of dozens of new beers, and overseeing production across several facilities, earned him a reputation as a rising star in the brewing industry.

This momentum carried him to Big Bend Brewing in 2016, a challenging period following the untimely death of its award-winning founder. Through effective teamwork and a focus on quality, Matysiak led the brewery to win various competitions, including a prestigious gold medal at the 2018 World Beer Cup.

Matysiak now takes on the role of Vice President of Operations at Alamo Beer Company. In this new position, he will oversee brewing operations, manage the supply chain, and implement high-quality standards of beer production, while simultaneously fostering innovation.

His experience across a variety of breweries, both large and small, has granted Matysiak a comprehensive perspective on the industry. Alamo Beer Company’s COO, Jessenia McMeans, praises his skillset as “crucial” for the future success of the brewery, emphasizing his prowess in ensuring product quality, and business profitability.

On adapting the German-inspired brewing processes at Alamo Beer, Matysiak insists on adhering to high-quality brewing standards and is confident in Alamo’s ability to produce beers with the highest quality and consistency levels, ultimately bolstering the brewery’s growth.

Eugene Simor, Alamo Beer Company’s founder, and owner, celebrates Matysiak’s arrival, applauding his technical knowledge, practical experience, and business acumen. “He’s a real name in the industry…We’re excited to have this exceptional leader on our team,” he asserts.

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Urban South Brewery Expands Distribution Across Greater Houston, TX

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HOUSTON, Texas— Urban South Brewery, known for producing high quality, sessionable and affordable craft beers and hard seltzers, is thrilled to announce its partnership with Ben E. Keith distribution to bring their award-winning beers to even more consumers in the greater Houston, Texas area.

“Ben E. Keith is eager to build on Urban South’s successful Houston tap room by partnering with them to distribute their outstanding beers to consumers throughout Houston, College Station and SE Texas,” said Kevin Nettleton, General Manager of Ben E. Keith Distribution.

“Since launching our Urban South – HTX brewery in 2020, we’re proud to have become a central player in the growing Houston craft beer community,” said Anna Jensen, Urban South Brewery – HTX’s Director of Operations. “We’re thrilled to take the next step in sharing Urban South beers beyond our Houston tap room and into grocery stores, bars, and restaurants across the region.”

Craft beer fans can now find Urban South’s ode-to-Houston brew, called HTX IPA, as well as their flagship Paradise Park American Lager and Lime Cucumber Gose in cans at retailers across Southeast Texas, including HEB, Specs, Total Wine, Kroger, Central Market and Whole Foods.

Customers will also now see their favorite Urban South beers on draft at many restaurants and bars across the region, offering flagship beers as well as seasonal special releases like the famous ‘Spilled’ fruited sour series.

The Urban South team will lead tastings and promotional events around Houston all month long to celebrate their distribution launch. Follow Urban South HTX’s social media accounts for event details and where to find Urban South’s beers.

Urban South Brewery’s headquarters in New Orleans has select distribution across the South, including Louisiana, Texas, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee. This new partnership between Urban South – HTX location and Ben E. Keith brings their popular drinks to a wider audience in Texas.

About Urban South Brewery

Founded in 2016, award-winning Urban South Brewery has established itself as one of the leading Southern regional craft breweries. From its original New Orleans taproom, to its satellite location in Texas – Urban South – HTX, to its recently acquired Perfect Plain Brewing Co. in Pensacola, Florida, the brewery produces high quality, affordable beers that are easy to drink and a great way to enhance any occasion. Known for its flagship Paradise Park American Lager and Holy Roller IPA, fruited sours and hard seltzers, recent accolades include: 2022 U.S. Open Beer Championship (Gold and Bronze), 2021 Can Can Awards (Gold and Bronze, 2020 U.S. Open Beverage Championship (Silver) and 2020 Great American Beer Festival (Gold). Urban South prides itself on being a strong community partner with a belief that beer is a family affair.

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