Gilgamesh Brewing Co-Founder Michael Radtke Died

Michael Radtke, who helped build a prominent regional brewery brand, died at 49 from a pulmonary embolism.

Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Gilgamesh Brewing Co-Founder Michael Radtke Died

Michael Radtke, the co-founder of Gilgamesh Brewing and Bistro Bocado, died on September 24, 2026, at the age of 49. His passing follows a period of contraction for the local brewery business.

Why it matters

The death marks the end of an era for the Salem-based brewing family, which built a portfolio of regional venues that faced recent financial and legal challenges.

A civil suit against Gilgamesh Brewing and Radtke for unpaid rent reached $769,000 in 2026, while the company auctioned equipment from its Madrona Avenue location in early 2025.

The players

Michael Radtke

He was a co-founder of Gilgamesh Brewing and Bistro Bocado who helped grow the brand across several regional locations.

Gilgamesh Brewing

This Salem-based brewing company operated multiple taphouses and eateries before undergoing a significant downsizing.

The details

Radtke was instrumental in expanding the family brand, which included locations across Salem, Monmouth, and the Oregon Coast. Following shifting consumer habits and lower sales, the business downsized, leaving only the Independence site as an active location on the company website.

1996: Michael Radtke graduated from Sprague High School.
2018: The brothers debuted the Tasty Trailer food truck.
2019: The brothers opened The Woods bar in West Salem.
Early 2025: Gilgamesh auctioned off Madrona Avenue location equipment.
September 24, 2026: Michael Radtke died.

Market Landscape

The downsizing of the Gilgamesh portfolio and the subsequent auction of assets follow the broader industry pattern of consolidation during the post-2020 contraction of regional craft brewery footprints. This shift reflects a move away from multi-site expansion strategies toward smaller, sustainable operations in a competitive beverage market.

The closure of various locations and the legal proceedings surrounding the brand mean that customers are now limited to the Independence site for services. Those wishing to contribute to funeral expenses can still access the active online fundraising campaign.

The takeaway

The challenges faced by the Radtke family business underscore the volatility of the regional hospitality sector in recent years. Supporting local memorial efforts remains a way for the community to recognize the contributions of longtime business owners.