F.H. Steinbart Co. - Oldest Homebrew Supply Store in the U.S. - has New Owners
The oldest homebrewing supply store in the country is now under new ownership. The 106 year-old iconic Portland institution F.H. Steinbart Co. is a major contributor to Oregon craft beer culture and in no small part helped shape the city into the beer mecca it is now famous for. Local draft line cleaning company Perfect Pour Services has acquired the shop, known for their specialization in all things home fermentation and a robust commercial draft department that has served Oregon and Washington breweries, bars, and contractors for decades.
F.H. Steinbart Co. was originally founded by Franz Steinbart in 1918. The business was passed into the DeBenedetti family starting with store employee Joseph in 1934 and has been handed down from father to son ever since. Joseph’s son, John, the longest-running owner, began working with his father in 1975 and remained behind the counter sharing his extensive knowledge until his passing in 2020. After John’s passing and the impact of COVID on small restaurants and brewers, the DeBenedetti family evaluated options for continuing into its second century of operation. The family explored employee ownership, and in the process, it became clear the right person was on the other side of the sales counter.
“My father was very enthusiastic and proud about the historic brewing industry in Portland. He always impressed upon me dedication to profession; the firm must always endeavor to serve the public.” –James DeBenedetti
Facing industry changes and the current financial climate, the DeBenedetti family realized it was time to pass the torch. They didn’t have to look far to find someone who could carry F.H. Steinbart Co. into the future.
James Ameeti, owner of Perfect Pour Services (PPS), has been a top client of the commercial draft department at Steinbart’s for several years. PPS, based in Portland, Oregon, specializes in installing, repairing, and maintaining draft beer and craft beverage systems for breweries, bars, restaurants, hotels, movie theaters, and more.
James could often be found at the draft counter, sometimes multiple times a day, picking up supplies for his ever-growing list of clients.
“When I moved to Portland with what I thought was a solid foundation in draft knowledge, the people I met and things I learned within the Steinbart walls proved I was only at the start of my journey. I’m looking forward to offering a place for people in our industry to connect and grow for another 100 years.” –James Ameeti
When the DeBenedetti family considered making changes at the store, possibly even closing it down, James Ameeti thought, “What would our community look like without Steinbart’s around anymore?” He did not like the answer, nor did many others in the draft services industry.
One group particularly concerned about the potential closure was the local homebrewing community. F.H. Steinbart Co. is recognized as the oldest homebrew supply shop in the United States and has a legendary reputation. As an independent purveyor of ingredients, equipment, and knowledge, the shop has been a mecca for homebrewers. John DeBenedetti was a friend to the homebrewing community, helping to establish The Oregon Brew Crew, the longest-running homebrewing club in Oregon, in 1980. Their monthly meetings are still held in the Steinbart’s warehouse.
“FHS is a pillar of the Portland homebrew scene. In a world where LHBS (local homebrew stores) are shutting down left and right, or moving to online only models, it is so essential that Steinbart continues to provide not only amazing ingredients and equipment, but is consistently there for us to support last minute needs on brew days!”
James and his team are excited to bring their passion and dedication to this new endeavor. As the new stewards of the Steinbart name, they aim to expand the store's outreach and impact in the local community and the greater Pacific Northwest region. Everyone passionate about craft beer, cider, wine, and spirits is thrilled that through the new ownership and dedication of James Ameeti and the Perfect Pour Services team, the future is bright for F.H. Steinbart Co. Cheers to that!
About Perfect Pour Services: Founded in 2008 by James Ameeti, Perfect Pour Services has grown over the last 16 years to serve more than 1000+ clients in the greater Portland, Oregon metro and Southern Washington markets. Their commitment to world-class customer service is central to their ongoing growth and success.