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Union Brewing to Relocate in Carmel by December 2026

The brewery will move to 513 Industrial Drive after its current lease at 202 Gradle Drive expires this November.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Beer

Screen-print poster illustration of an industrial brewery building in warm brick and teal tones, signifying a local business relocation.
Union Brewing Company will relocate its operations to 513 Industrial Drive in Carmel this December following the expiration of its current lease. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Union Brewing Company will vacate its longtime home at 202 Gradle Drive on November 28, 2026, following the non-renewal of its lease. The business plans to reopen at a new facility located at 513 Industrial Drive in early December 2026.

Why it matters

The relocation is driven by the redevelopment of the Gradle Drive site by Keystone Group and a strategic effort to expand food service and event hosting. This shift aims to help the brewery adapt to declining national alcohol consumption trends.

The new 513 Industrial Drive site offers double the square footage of the current 202 Gradle Drive location. Nationally, women-owned breweries account for approximately 3 percent of the market.

The players

Union Brewing Company

This is a local brewery business that is transitioning its operations to a larger space in Carmel.

Keystone Group

This real estate development firm owns the Gradle Drive site and is managing the proposed mixed-use redevelopment project.

Jessica Hayden

She is the current owner of Union Brewing Company who purchased the business in 2025.

Derek Herring

He is the former owner of Union Brewing Company who purchased the business in 2023.

The details

The new facility will feature enhanced space to accommodate dining services provided by an external chef partner. This move follows the purchase of the brewery by Jessica Hayden in 2025, succeeding Derek Herring, who acquired the business in 2023.

Timeline

  1. Derek Herring purchased Union Brewing Company in 2023.

  2. The Valentina development project was introduced in late 2023.

  3. The Carmel City Council placed The Valentina project on hold in 2024.

  4. Jessica Hayden purchased Union Brewing Company in 2025.

  5. The current lease at 202 Gradle Drive expires on November 28, 2026.

Culture Shift

This transition reflects a broader trend of independent breweries pivoting away from strictly alcohol-focused models to survive in an era of declining consumption. The shift mirrors a move toward experiential retail as hospitality venues integrate larger food service and event components.

Local patrons should prepare for the transition of service from Gradle Drive to the new Industrial Drive location starting in December 2026. The expansion promises an updated experience with new dining options available on-site at the future facility.

The takeaway

Businesses looking to weather shifting consumer preferences can leverage relocation as an opportunity to diversify their revenue streams. Integrating food and event space provides a more resilient operational model than relying solely on beverage sales.

Further reading

For more on the local craft scene, visit Carmel Beer.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Current Publishing.

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Do you prefer that local breweries offer food and entertainment alongside their beer?