Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and recently retired Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman Jason Kelce are now the largest investors in Garage Beer, a small light beer company founded in their home state of Ohio.
The brothers announced the news on their podcast New Heights. As part owners, they will be involved in much of the company’s business decisions including brewing, distribution and sales among other obligations. The beer is sold in 13 states with further expansion expected this year.
“For me, the brand fits my lifestyle, and having a few beers is a great excuse to get the neighbors together,” Jason Kelce said in a statement.
Financial terms of the investment were not disclosed, however, Jason Kelce clarified on the podcast they are “part owners,” and that they “don’t own the whole thing.” The groundwork for the Kelces’ involvement has been in the works for two years through a prior relationship the brothers had, according to a news release.
That prior relationship was with Andy Sauer, the co-owner of Garage Beer. Sauer had known Travis Kelce for six years through his marketing partners. He said the Kelces were minority investors but “the largest single investors in the business.”
“They’re so visibly recognizable especially in beer that as we bring that to the retail environment, it’s pretty well documented how that has an impact on consumer purchase.” Sauer said on a video call. “They have a lot of ability to impact the growth of the business.”
Sauer said Jason Kelce had already pitched him three ideas for the business which they’ll mull over the next few weeks. Sauer did not offer any further details when asked to elaborate.
“If you like good beer, this is a good beer,” Travis Kelce said on the show.
Asked if there was potential for Garage Beer to be sold either at Arrowhead Stadium, the Chiefs’ home, or Lincoln Financial Field, the Eagles’ home, Sauer said, “I think those are all things we’ll explore with them as we get down the road building the partnership … there’s no shortage of a list for things we need to tackle.”
Jason Kelce has been active in the broadcasting world since announcing his retirement from the NFL in March after 13 years with the Philadelphia Eagles. He joined ESPN’s Monday Night Countdown in a multiyear agreement, the network announced in May. Travis Kelce has an investment in the Alpine Formula One team which teammate Patrick Mahomes and golfer Rory McIlroy are also involved with.
(This story has been updated with comments from Andy Sauer, the co-owner of Garage Beer.)