Creditor Seeks Bankruptcy for Mendocino Brewing
A Los Angeles law firm says the brewer owes about $60,000, while Kingfisher America asks the court to dismiss the case.
Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Beer
A Los Angeles law firm filed an involuntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy case against Mendocino Brewing Co. on October 12, 2026, claiming the company owes it approximately $60,000. Kingfisher America Inc. has asked the court to dismiss the case and allow arbitration to proceed.
Why it matters
An involuntary bankruptcy puts most other legal actions against the company on hold while the court decides the matter. A judge is expected to hear arguments on whether to dismiss the case.
The claimed debt is approximately $60,000, and the court docket shows no response from Mendocino Brewing through November 9, 2026. The brewery's Ukiah facility, on Airport Road, closed in 2018, and it is not stated whether the claim relates to that closure.
The players
Mendocino Brewing Co.
A Ukiah-based craft brewer known for its long-running beer brands, whose brewery on Airport Road closed in 2018.
Kingfisher America Inc.
The U.S. company that licensed Mendocino Brewing in 2001 to brew and sell Kingfisher beer in the United States.
The details
Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP filed the case under Chapter 11 on October 12, 2026. Kingfisher America Inc., which granted Mendocino Brewing a license in 2001 to brew and sell Kingfisher beer in the United States, filed to dismiss on October 22, and the law firm answered on November 5. Kingfisher America replied on November 9.
Timeline
2001: Kingfisher America granted Mendocino Brewing a U.S. brewing license.
2018: Mendocino Brewing's Ukiah brewery closed.
October 12, 2026: Involuntary bankruptcy case filed.
October 22, 2026: Kingfisher America requested dismissal.
November 5, 2026: The law firm answered the dismissal request.
Legal Context
Involuntary Chapter 11 petitions, which let creditors force a company into bankruptcy, are a tool under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Mendocino Brewing's case shows how such a petition can be used to pursue a relatively small claim against a company whose brewery is no longer operating.
Customers who buy Mendocino Brewing or Kingfisher beers may see changes in product availability depending on how the case is resolved. Creditors and business partners owed money by the brewer may also be affected by the bankruptcy's outcome.
The takeaway
Creditors can use involuntary bankruptcy to pursue debts, but a pending case can freeze other legal action against a business. Readers following local beer brands should watch for the court's ruling on dismissal.
What happens next
A judge is scheduled to hear arguments Thursday on whether to dismiss the involuntary bankruptcy case.
Further reading
For more on the brewing industry's history in the state, see Beer coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Mendocino Voice | Mendocino County, CA.
