Narragansett Beer is Back!

Our guest on Thursday May 27th is Mark Hellendrung, CEO of Narragansett, once the #1 selling beer in New England. He has re-launched the iconic brand, strategically reintroducing ‘Gansett to bars, pubs, restaurants and liquor stores, building awareness and momentum for a regional ‘Gansett comeback. Now available in over 1000 establishments and counting, Narragansett is making serious strides in its campaign to win back New England.

Brewed since 1890, ‘Gansett has played a prominent role in New England traditions for over 100 years. During its glory days, the Cranston, RI brewery produced almost two million barrels of beer per year and the company employed roughly 850 New Englanders. As the region’s largest brewing operation, Narragansett attracted the attention of Falstaff, who acquired it in 1974. Distanced from their hometown roots ‘Gansett quickly lost its regional appeal and unique character with the final blow delivered upon the demolition of the historic, deserted brewery in 1995.

Lifelong Rhode Islander and Narragansett CEO Mark Hellendrung, was introduced to Narragansett in 2005 after asking for something with a ‘little more character’ in a Newport, RI bar. That year, he and a group of enthusiastic investors purchased the rights to the brand, and, ever since, have been working to rebuild the ‘Gansett name, creating the foundation necessary to reestablish Narragansett as a New England favorite.

“Narragansett is founded on the rich history and character of New England,” states Hellendrung. “We are inspired to reestablish the iconic brand as a powerful New England fixture and build a new brewery, energizing the region’s economy and local communities as a whole.”

Mark Hellendrung, a graduate of Brown University with an MBA from Bentley College, was the President of Nantucket Nectars, also working for Snapple Beverage Group, Cadbury Schweppes and Magic Hat prior to purchasing Narragansett.

Cocktails for Everyone! airs live at 5pm EST on VoiceAmerica.com, and is available to download immediately after the show.