Change brewing as Thirsty Crow owner calls time

Wagga’s sole brewery, the Thirsty Crow, will go up for sale in March for the first time. Photo: Ketura Weston.

Wagga Wagga’s sole brewery, the Thirsty Crow, is now on the market following owner Craig Wealands’ decision to call it a day after 13 years of operation.

The popular brewery opened its doors in 2011 and has been a go-to destination for many locals looking for a cold drink on a night out.

The Thirsty Crow brewed its first batch of Sporting Ale beer on Christmas Eve 2010 before opening its doors at its original location across from the Pavilion Hotel in Kincaid Street in February 2011. The brewery made the switch to Fitzmaurice Street in 2016 and has been entwined with the Wagga Wagga community since.

Since moving to Fitzmaurice Street, the Thirsty Crow has hosted several popular community events, including Okcrowberfest, The Dirty Eve and Fitzfest. The brewery has continued to draw customers through its doors with its choice of on-tap beers, including its famous Sporting Ale, a range of IPAs and a Vanilla Malt Stout.

Nick Tinning, the Chris Tinning & Co agent managing the sale, said Mr Wealands and his family’s decision to sell the award-winning venue came following several difficult years after the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The whole hospitality sector was hit pretty hard and it has been very difficult for owners right across the state,” Mr Tinning said.

“Craig and his team have worked tirelessly through that period, and justifiably, he’s exhausted.

“The sale gives new owners the chance to breathe some new air into the venue following a long and tricky period.”

Mr Tinning said Mr Wealands and his team approached him about selling the property towards the end of 2023.

“I sat down with Craig about his plans moving forward and they said, ‘Well, hang on, why don’t we just sell it?’,” he said.

“There have been a lot of people who have worked their way through COVID and need a break, and that’s very much the case with Craig and his family.”

Expressions of interest for the purchase of Wagga’s first microbrewery close on 15 March. However, it appears that potential future owners have already begun to throw their hats in the ring.

“The venue will be extremely popular for potential buyers,” Mr Tinning said.

“We have already had several people call and make pitches, so we don’t expect it to be available too long after that 15 March date.”

Interested parties can contact Nick from Chris Tinning & Co on 0417 252 199 Or co-agent Geoff Seymour from Fitzpatricks on 0417 698 238.