The beer is flowing again at the popular brewery Greenbush in Sawyer. But for how long?

Greenbush co-owner Justin Heckathorn sent an email to Greenbush Mug Club members a few days ago, outlining his plans to reopen the popular brewery and restaurant, which abruptly closed in April after 15 years. Social media acounts show that several dozen people showed up for an event in the brewery on June 10. Another is planned for Saturday.

The letter seems to contradict the statement given with the closing that “business conditions” were just too tough for the brewery to continue operating. Heckathorn’s partner in the business was his longtime friend, Scott Sullivan. There is no mention of Sullivan in the letter.

Diva is attempting to speak to Heckathorn to get more details; in the meantime, here is the text of the letter sent to Mug Club Members.

My name is Justin Heckathorn, and I am writing to you with a spirit of hope for a future Greenbush, as work is being done to reopen the business later this summer.

Like all of you, I was shocked and saddened to learn of the closing of Greenbush. While I helped Scott with the formation of Greenbush, starting with a dream, to a business concept, to an operating business, I was not involved in the decision to close the establishment, leaving Greenbush’s loyal community in the dark. The closing was abrupt for both Mug Club Members and Staff and I am truly sorry that it unfolded that way.

Since 4/13/26, Greenbush ownership has changed along with the management of Greenbush. Some familiar faces are at work to bring back the Greenbush that you and the general public first fell in love with and faithfully supported over the years.

Even though the brewery remains closed at this time, the desire of this group of individuals who have been on the GB journey from the early years is to bring back your Greenbush home. This group cares deeply about Greenbush and the memories we have all made inside GB doors and most importantly, this group cares about each one of you, our loyal Mug Club Members. Your support as Members has meant everything to us, and we need you now more than ever.

To that end, we warmly invite you to join us on Wednesday, June 10th from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM and Saturday, June 13th from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM. These are opportunities to pick up your mug in person. We hope you’ll stay for a while, enjoy the space again, and—if you’re so inclined—purchase a beer to support our efforts. While the brewery is not yet open for regular business, we hope these gatherings can be a way of reconnecting with you all and showing our appreciation. 

**No food service will be available during these events. All cash sales (no credit card services yet).

At the end of your visit, feel free to take your mug home with you, and then bring your mug back once we are able to confirm a reopening date, and we begin pouring once again. Your mugs represent a bond we share, and we look forward to the days and nights when they are once again hanging in our taproom and being filled with Greenbush beer at your next visit.   

This email comes from me, but is also the voice of the group working to resurrect GB from the ashes.  This group and I have poured our hearts into this brewery over the years and we do not want the GB story to end this way.  We believe that with your continued support, we can bring Greenbush back and curate a renewed fondness for Greenbush for each one of you. Thank you for standing with us through this difficult chapter. 

We look forward to seeing you this Wednesday and Saturday, and the friendly walls of Greenbush can’t wait to echo your voices.