Rooftop joins Maritime Pacific!

Rooftop Brewing Company Announces that they will be assuming the operations at Maritime Pacific Brewing upon the retirement of Seattle craft beer pioneers George and Jane Hancock.

After a search for a new home stemming from a 2024 fire, Rooftop will reopen early April and continue operations at Maritime Pacific’s existing brewhouse at 1111 Ballard Ave, producing established favorites from both brands, including Maritime Pacific’s Old Seattle Lager and Jolly Roger Christmas Ale, as well as Rooftop’s Gateway Hazy Pale Ale, Tropical Staycation IPA, and La Azotea Mexi Lager.

The beloved Jolly Roger Taproom, a Ballard institution since 1990, known by regulars as “the Jolly,” will continue operations, offering both Maritime and Rooftop beers as well as favorite eats such as their Famous Jolly Sliders and Smokers. 

With Seattle craft brewing pioneers George and Jane Hancock looking forward to a well-earned retirement, and Rooftop Brewing searching for a new home after a building fire in August 2024, both breweries found themselves at pivotal moments. What could have marked the end for two beloved Seattle institutions instead became an opportunity for something new. Rooftop will carry on Maritime’s legacy while bringing its own spirit to Ballard—ensuring both breweries' communities have a home for years to come.

“Last year’s fire was a devastating blow to Rooftop,” says Rooftop’s co-founder and general manager Craig Christian. “The prospect of rebuilding and reopening was daunting, to say the least. But when the opportunity to both reopen in an established brewery location and help carry Maritime’s legacy into the future—it just felt right.”

George and Jane Hancock opened Maritime Pacific Brewing in 1990, making it the longest running brewery in Ballard, and have been an essential part of Seattle craft brewing community for a generation. After 20 years in their original Ballard brewery, Maritime Pacific relocated to their existing location at 1111 Ballard Avenue in 2010. Maritime’s beers have been staples of tap lists in Seattle-area bars and restaurants for decades. 

“After 35 years, stepping away isn’t easy—but knowing it’s in good hands is a real comfort. It’s always been about community, and our best memories are filled with the people who made it all possible.” says George, the self-described curmudgeon of beer. “Jane and I raise a pint to this next chapter." 

Founded in 2012, Rooftop built a devoted following and community of beer lovers just across the Lake Washington Ship Canal from Maritime Pacific. The relative proximity of the breweries—and the compatibility of spirt were important to Rooftop’s team in making this transition.

“Community has been a central part of who we are,” says Christian. “We’ve been eager to reopen for our community of beer lovers, and we are excited to bring that ethos to the already wonderful community at Maritime and the Jolly Roger.”

Christian adds, “It is an honor to continue George and Jane’s legacy. That day when regulars of Rooftop are sitting next to the regulars at the Jolly, choosing from a tap list of the best of Rooftop and Maritime’s beers… that will be a special day.”

After a closure of almost eight months, it will take time for Rooftop’s brewing operation to ramp up and for Rooftop beers to land back on Seattle taps, including at the Jolly Roger Taproom. Rooftop plans to continue operations at the Jolly without major changes, while looking for opportunities to expand community spaces such as the outdoor patio in front—much like the former Rooftop space on Nickerson St. 

Plans for upcoming celebrations and other news regarding the transition will be shared on both Rooftop and Maritime’s websites and social media channels. 

Contact Information

Craig Christian

Co-Founder and General Manager

Rooftop Brewing Company

206-276-4091

craig@rooftopbrewco.com 

rooftopbrewco.com 

@rooftopbrewco

George Hancock

President/Owner

Maritime Pacific Brewing

cell 206-679-8114

georgeh@maritimebrewing.com

maritimebrewing.com