Steamworks Brewing Co.

What Steamworks Brewing Co. does

Steamworks Brewing Co. is a privately held, founder-led craft brewery and hospitality operator founded in 1995 in Vancouver's Gastown district, operating under the Steamworks Group of Companies legal entity with Eli Gershkovitch as CEO and Founder. The company designs, produces, and sells a portfolio of core and seasonal craft beers—including Steamworks Pilsner, Flagship IPA, Hazy Pale Ale, and Lions Gate Lager—alongside limited-edition and charity releases such as Jasmine IPA, Lavender Earl Grey Saison, John Oliver Lager, and 7 O'Clock Cheer Pale Ale. Its brand identity is built around a steampunk-themed "steam brewing method" inspired by original steam distribution piping discovered in the historic Gastown building; this is a marketing and heritage differentiator rather than a defensible technical process. The company employs an estimated 51–100 people and operates within British Columbia, Canada.

The business model is a hybrid of owned hospitality and packaged-goods distribution. Steamworks generates revenue through direct-to-consumer sales at four owned venues (the Burnaby Brewery & Taproom, the Gastown Brew Pub, Mount Pleasant Kitchen & Taphouse, and the North Shore Taphouse), on-site food and beverage, private event hosting (Wine Room, Harbour View Room, Über Lounge), a mobile food truck, gift cards redeemable across Steamworks and partner Rogue Kitchen & Wetbar locations, and an online merchandise shop. Packaged beer is distributed regionally through BC Liquor Stores, private liquor stores, and an on-site Beer + Wine store adjacent to the Gastown pub. Pricing is unit-based (e.g., John Oliver Lager at CAD $22.99 regular / $19.99 promotional); revenue is not publicly disclosed.

Go-to-market is entirely regional (British Columbia / Metro Vancouver) and consumer-facing, supported by organic social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter), email newsletters, website content, and heavy participation in community events and charitable partnerships (Ocean Wise, VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation, Downtown Eastside Women's Centre, Green Cities Foundation). The company has no disclosed external funding, subsidiaries, or institutional ownership, and has grown organically from a single brewpub to a multi-venue operator over 25+ years.

Name

Steamworks Brewing Co.

Legal name

Steamworks Group of Companies

Website

https://steamworks.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Steamworks Brewing Co. is a founder-led BC craft brewery and hospitality operator, selling core and seasonal beers via four owned brewpubs/taprooms, BC liquor retail, a food truck, and private events, serving craft beer consumers across Metro Vancouver.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Craft Brewery & Brewpub Hospitality

NAICS

Breweries (31212), Breweries (312120), Drinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages) (7224)

SIC

Malt Beverages (2082), Beverages (2080), Wholesale-Beer, Wine & Distilled Alcoholic Beverages (5180)

akta.pro primary industry

Brewpubs & Taprooms (On-site Beer Service) (THAFALAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Beer Brewing & Craft Brewing (AFAFAAAA), Beer Brewing & Brands (CRADAIAA), Craft Beer Bars & Taprooms (THAFAEAG), Packaging & Production Breweries (Limited/No On-site Service) (THAFALAB), Liquor Stores (Off-Premise Spirits Retail) (CRANABAA)

Keywords

• Craft beer brewing
• Brewpub operations
• Taproom hospitality
• Packaged beer retail
• Private event hosting

Headquarters

HQ city

Burnaby

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Brewpub and Taproom Sales: On-site food and beverage sales at four locations including Gastown Brew Pub, Burnaby Taproom, Mount Pleasant Kitchen & Taphouse, and North Shore Taphouse
2. Packaged Beer Retail: Sale of canned and bottled craft beer through BC Liquor Stores and private liquor stores across BC and the Lower Mainland
3. Gift Cards: Online gift cards redeemable at Steamworks locations and Rogue Kitchen & Wetbar partner locations for food, merchandise, and packaged products
4. Private Events: Event hosting services including Wine Room, Harbour View Room, and Über Lounge for weddings, corporate events, and celebrations with custom menus
5. Food Truck Operations: Mobile food service operations across the Lower Mainland at markets, events, and locations near their breweries

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Steamworks Brewing Co. operates a craft brewery that produces and sells a portfolio of beers (core, seasonal, and limited-edition) both on-premise at four brewpub/taproom locations across Metro Vancouver and off-premise through BC Liquor Stores and private liquor stores. The company complements its brewing operations with full-service hospitality venues (food and beverage service), private event hosting, a mobile food truck, gift card sales, and online merchandise.

Product overview

Steamworks Brewing Co. is a craft brewery operating a portfolio of beer products and physical hospitality venues across the Vancouver/Burnaby area. Core beer products include the Steamworks Pilsner, Flagship IPA, Hazy Pale Ale, and Lions Gate Lager, complemented by seasonal and limited-edition releases like Jasmine IPA and Lavender Earl Grey Saison. The company operates four hospitality locations: the flagship Brewery & Taproom in Burnaby, the historic Brew Pub in Gastown, Mount Pleasant Kitchen & Taphouse, and the newest North Shore Taphouse. Additional services include a mobile Food Truck, private event hosting, gift cards, and an online merchandise shop.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Lavender Earl Grey Saison: Floral, fruity, and light-bodied saison brewed with lavender and Earl Grey tea, created by the women of Steamworks for International Women's Day.
• Jasmine IPA
• Steamworks Pilsner
• Flagship IPA
• Hazy Pale Ale
• Lions Gate Lager
• Killer Cucumber Ale
• Sisu
• John Oliver Lager
• 7 O'Clock Cheer Pale Ale

Products and services

• Steamworks Pilsner Flagship pilsner offering from Steamworks, brewed with malt, hops, and water for a balanced, crisp profile; part of the core beer portfolio available at brewpub locations and through retail.
• Flagship IPA West Coast-style IPA positioned as the beer that started the 'haze-craze' and set the standard for the style; available through Steamworks locations and retail channels.
• Hazy Pale Ale Hazy pale ale offering from Steamworks' craft beer pillars, characterized by hop-forward and hazy flavor profile; available through taproom and retail channels.
• Lions Gate Lager Lager described as the 'gateway to flavour' in Vancouver since 1995, part of Steamworks' core traditional beer lineup.
• Jasmine IPA Seasonal IPA brewed with jasmine flowers featuring floral, citrus, and spice notes with caramel malt sweetness and clean finish; available at the brewery and local stores.
• Lavender Earl Grey Saison Floral, fruity, and light-bodied saison brewed with lavender and Earl Grey tea, created by the women of Steamworks for International Women's Day, available in 473ml cans.
• John Oliver Lager Limited-edition lager brewed to honour BC Premier John Oliver and BC Liquor Stores' 100th anniversary; available exclusively at BC Liquor Stores.
• 7 O'Clock Cheer Pale Ale Charity pale ale brewed in partnership with VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation; 100% of net proceeds were donated to support healthcare teams and COVID-19 research.
• Sisu Special beer celebrating community resilience during challenging times, named after the Finnish concept of determination and grit; released in 1.5L magnum bottles.
• Brewery & Taproom (Burnaby) Flagship brewery and taproom venue at 3845 William Street, Burnaby, BC, offering on-site food and beverage service with 20 Steamworks taps plus guest taps.
• Brew Pub (Gastown) Original brew pub at 375 Water Street, Vancouver, BC, featuring historic steampunk-inspired design, full kitchen, and three private event rooms (Wine Room, Harbour View Room, Über Lounge).
• Mount Pleasant Kitchen & Taphouse Taproom and full kitchen at 2275 Main Street, Vancouver, BC, featuring 20 Steamworks taps plus 10 ever-changing guest taps, with a weekend brunch offering.
• North Shore Taphouse and Restaurant Newest Steamworks location at 114 East 21st Street, North Vancouver, featuring signature brews, guest taps, full kitchen, and a group-friendly dining room with patio.
• Food Truck Mobile food service operations delivering pub favorites including Steamworks Smashed Cheese Burger and vegetarian options at markets, events, and locations across the Lower Mainland.
• Private Events Event hosting services at the Gastown Brew Pub with three private rooms (Wine Room, Harbour View Room, Über Lounge) and custom menus for weddings, corporate events, and celebrations.
• Gift Cards Online gift cards redeemable at any Steamworks Brewing Co. or Rogue Kitchen & Wetbar location (excluding Steamworks Liquor Store) for food, merchandise, and packaged products.
• Online Merchandise Shop Online store selling Steamworks branded merchandise and packaged beer products at steamworksshop.com.

Quantifiable outcome

• Iconic craft beer presence in BC and international markets for over 25 years

Named customers2 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Ocean WisecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSteamworks served as beverage sponsor for the Ocean Wise Seafood Festival. $0.50 from every Pilsner 8-Pack sold in February was donated to the Ocean Wise Seafood Program. The partnership raised $1,000.00 for ocean conservation efforts.
• VGH & UBC Hospital FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to create and sell 7 O'Clock Cheer Pale Ale with 100% of net proceeds donated to support healthcare teams and COVID-19 research. Local ingredients donated by Gambrinus Malting, Hops Connect, and Westkey Graphics.
• Green Cities FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to transform an underutilized area in Burnaby, BC into a public greenspace. Steamworks has taken on ongoing maintenance and stewardship of the greenspace. Donations collected online via www.gcfoundation.ca.
• Para Space Landscaping Inc.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLandscape partner for the Burnaby greenspace renovation project, working with Steamworks, Green Cities Foundation, and BC Nursery and Landscape Association to transform neglected lot into community greenspace.
• BC Nursery and Landscape AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the Burnaby greenspace renovation project, collaborating with Steamworks, Green Cities Foundation, and Para Space Landscaping Inc. to create inclusive and accessible public greenspace.
• Shop IntercityminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFestival partner for Ocean Wise Seafood Festival, created delectable salmon hand pie pairing with Steamworks Pilsner. Shop Intercity donated $3.00 from every case of Hand Pies sold to Ocean Wise Seafood Program.
• Downtown Eastside Women's Centre (DEWC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCharitable beneficiary of Lavender Earl Grey Saison release for International Women's Day. Steamworks donates $1 from every pint sold and $1.50 from every can purchased to support essential services for self-identifying women in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside.
• City of BurnabyminorOthersProvided space and access for the greenspace renovation project in North Burnaby.
• BC HydrominorOthersSupported the Burnaby greenspace renovation project by providing access to the site.
• Rogue Kitchen & WetbarcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner venue for Steamworks gift cards, which are redeemable at any Steamworks Brewing Co. or Rogue Kitchen & Wetbar location (excluding Steamworks Liquor Store).

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves2 records

Broad incumbents

• Moosehead Breweries: Canada's largest independent national brewer with a portfolio of owned craft and mainstream brands distributed coast-to-coast. Relevant as a Canadian national-scale reference for the packaged beer distribution, retail relationships, and competitive positioning Steamworks would face if it expanded inter-provincially.
• Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Large US craft brewery with multiple taprooms, broad distribution, and category-defining IPAs. Relevant as a scaled craft incumbent reference point for what a successful craft beer brand can scale into — useful benchmark for Steamworks' ceiling and operating playbook.

Direct peers

• Four Winds Brewing Co. Delta, BC craft brewery with an on-site tasting room and distributed packaged beer across BC. Comparable as an independent BC craft competitor pursuing taproom + packaged dual revenue, similar SKU style mix.
• Hoyne Brewing Co. Victoria, BC craft brewery founded in 2012 with a tasting room and packaged distribution across BC. Comparable independently-owned BC craft peer operating taproom + packaged retail channels similar to Steamworks.
• Granville Island Brewing: One of BC's oldest craft breweries (1984), based in Vancouver with a taproom and broad BC and Canadian distribution. Direct overlap with Steamworks in heritage Vancouver craft positioning, packaged retail, and on-premise experience.
• Russell Brewing Company: Surrey, BC craft brewery with on-site tasting room and broad packaged distribution across BC Liquor Stores and private retailers. Comparable BC regional craft competitor with similar on-premise + off-premise revenue model.
• Driftwood Brewery: Independent craft brewery based in Victoria, BC producing year-round and seasonal ales distributed through BC Liquor Stores and private retailers. Comparable regional BC craft positioning, similar portfolio depth, and similar independent/government-store distribution dynamics to Steamworks.
• Parallel 49 Brewing Company: Vancouver-based craft brewery with an East Vancouver tasting room and broad packaged distribution in BC. Comparable as a Metro Vancouver craft brewer competing for the same on-premise taps and BC Liquor Store shelf space.
• Stanley Park Brewing: Vancouver-based craft brewery with a brewpub/restaurant at Stanley Park and packaged distribution across BC. Direct geographic and business-model overlap with Steamworks as a Vancouver craft brewery pairing hospitality venues with packaged retail.
• Phillips Brewing & Malting Co. Victoria, BC-based craft brewery operating its own taproom and brewpub plus distributed packaged beer across BC and Western Canada. Closely comparable to Steamworks in scale, regional BC focus, on-premise + off-premise dual model, and independent ownership profile.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses1 record

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/steamworksbeer
• Facebookfacebook.com/SteamworksBeer
• Instagraminstagram.com/steamworksbeer
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/steamworks-brewing-co.

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Steamworks Brewing Co.