Tucson FoodieCelebrating local food, drink, and community.
Borderlands Brewing Acquires Dillinger Brewing — Will Brew & Distribute Beers

Borderlands Brewing Company at Sam Hughes (Photo by Taylor Noel Photography)

Borderlands Brewing Acquires Dillinger Brewing — Will Brew & Distribute Beers

Nov 2, 20232 min read

Owner Es Teran and the team behind Borderlands Brewing Company just announced the acquisition of Dillinger Brewing’s property and brands.

Here’s a quick recap of what’s happened with Dillinger Brewing:

  • On Tuesday, October 31, Dillinger Brewing officially hosted its last day at 3895 N. Oracle Rd. and 402 E. Ninth St.
  • The Serial Grillers Restaurant Group has taken over the Oracle Road location and introduced Mosaic Brewing Company.
  • TraXide Taproom is set to open up in the near future at the Ninth Street location.
  • Borderlands Brewing is now going to be brewing Dillinger’s recipes and providing beer to distributors. They’re also going to have Dillinger beers on tap at both taproom locations along with canned products.

“This development signals a strategic enhancement for us, but more importantly, it underscores our commitment to safeguarding and nurturing a cherished local legend in the beer industry,” said Teran of Borderlands Brewing.

For seven transformative years, Dillinger Brewing was owned and operated by duo Eric Sipe and Aaron Long. Throughout the years, they rolled out unique brews such as Tiki Party Sour, Mangonada Sour, and Roadrunner Red.

(Photo courtesy of Dillinger Brewing)

“Dillinger Brewing was more than just a brewery; it was a testament to passion, innovation, and community integration,” Teran added. “Their endeavors, both in the realm of brewing and in their active participation in Tucson’s socio-cultural fabric, have crafted a legacy that Borderlands Brewing is deeply committed to continuing.”

“Taking this legacy forward, Borderlands Brewing prides itself on being a pioneer in another significant aspect of the brewing industry: our all-female brewing facility, helmed by Ayla Kapahi and Savanna Saldate,” said Teran. “Their leadership, combined with our team’s dedication, ensures that we craft beers that not only taste exceptional but also represent a broader spectrum of voices and influences. As custodians of the Dillinger legacy, we pledge to nurture and enrich it, blending in the craft, innovation, and passion that both breweries stand for.”

Savanna Saldate & Ayla Kapahi (Photo by Taylor Noel Photography)

Also, for fans of Dillinger Brewing, rest assured that Borderlands Brewing plans to keep the legacy alive by using their beer recipes.

“As we blend the artistry and traditions of both breweries, you can look forward to a renewed yet familiar beer journey, reflecting the very best of what both Borderlands and Dillinger have to offer,” said Teran. “Thank you, Tucson, for your unwavering trust and support. Here’s to crafting new tales on the foundation of cherished legacies.”

Borderlands Brewing Company is located at 119 E. Toole Ave. and 2500 E. Sixth St. For more information, visit borderlandsbrewing.com or follow Borderland Brewing on Facebook and Instagram. 

Article written by:

Matt Sterner

Matt Sterner

More about Matt

At a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.

He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.

If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.

Get our free Tucson Foodie weekly newsletter

New openings, events, dish recommendations, and guides — every Wednesday. No spam.

Take us with you.

Discover the best local spots, browse the dish database, build and share your to-visit lists, support local, and join the Foodie Club when you're ready.

Advertisement

Follow @TucsonFoodie136.1K followers
Scratch-made Japanese ramen goes far beyond instant noodles, with rich broths like tonkotsu, miso, and shoyu. Tucson has more specialty ramen shops than you might expect. Here’s where to find them around town.🍜

@ikkyu.tucson 
@jaramencurry 
@kiwamiramenbar 
@kukai___ 
@marujapanesenoodle 
@maruplusaz 
@obonsushi 
@raijinramen 
@theramenbartucson 
@tossfriedchickennramen 

More guides on Tucsonfoodie.comScratch-made Japanese ramen goes far beyond instant noodles, with rich broths like tonkotsu, miso, and shoyu. Tucson has more specialty ramen shops than you might expect. Here’s where to find them around town.🍜 @ikkyu.tucson @jaramencurry @kiwamiramenbar @kukai___ @marujapanesenoodle @maruplusaz @obonsushi @raijinramen @theramenbartucson @tossfriedchickennramen More guides on Tucsonfoodie.com
@Scentedleaf is opening a new location in the former Starbucks at Speedway and Country Club!!🥰

The locally owned tea shop celebrates its grand opening tomorrow, October 10, from 11 am to 9 pm, with 50% off all tea drinks and 25% off loose-leaf tea and merchandise.

📍3025 E. Speedway Blvd.@Scentedleaf is opening a new location in the former Starbucks at Speedway and Country Club!!🥰 The locally owned tea shop celebrates its grand opening tomorrow, October 10, from 11 am to 9 pm, with 50% off all tea drinks and 25% off loose-leaf tea and merchandise. 📍3025 E. Speedway Blvd.
The grand opening is TODAY, Oct. 8! 🎉

@istanbultucson is expanding with a second location, @istanbulmediterraneanexpress, at 5660 W. Cortaro Farms Rd. 

The fast-casual spot will feature about 75% of the original location’s menu, plus two exclusive dishes: build-your-own Turkish stuffed baked potatoes, known as Kumpir, and fresh-ground doner made in-house. The falafel plate and stuffed potatoes can also be made vegan. 

“The first restaurant taught us what our customers love most, so at Cortaro we’re focusing the menu around our most popular dishes while making the experience a little more casual and convenient. Most importantly, we’ve learned that no matter how much we grow, the quality of our food has to stay high every single day.” — Kamran Esar

Daily hours: 11am - 9pm

Read the article on Tucsonfoodie.comThe grand opening is TODAY, Oct. 8! 🎉 @istanbultucson is expanding with a second location, @istanbulmediterraneanexpress, at 5660 W. Cortaro Farms Rd. The fast-casual spot will feature about 75% of the original location’s menu, plus two exclusive dishes: build-your-own Turkish stuffed baked potatoes, known as Kumpir, and fresh-ground doner made in-house. The falafel plate and stuffed potatoes can also be made vegan. “The first restaurant taught us what our customers love most, so at Cortaro we’re focusing the menu around our most popular dishes while making the experience a little more casual and convenient. Most importantly, we’ve learned that no matter how much we grow, the quality of our food has to stay high every single day.” — Kamran Esar Daily hours: 11am - 9pm Read the article on Tucsonfoodie.com
Phoenix bakery @Proofbread is popping up in Tucson! 

Starting Friday, Oct. 9, the Phoenix-based sourdough bakery and stone flour mill will take over the two former @Cafefrancaisaz locations for a Tucson pop-up.

Expect naturally leavened country loaves, chocolate croissants with 81 layers of laminated dough, morning buns, ciabatta and more. 🥐🍞

📍 7831 E. Wrightstown Rd. 
📍 3855 E. Broadway Blvd. 

Both locations will be open 7 am-2 pm throughout October. If the pop-up is a success, Proof Bread says it could become a permanent Tucson operation. 

Read the article on Tucsonfoodie.comPhoenix bakery @Proofbread is popping up in Tucson! Starting Friday, Oct. 9, the Phoenix-based sourdough bakery and stone flour mill will take over the two former @Cafefrancaisaz locations for a Tucson pop-up. Expect naturally leavened country loaves, chocolate croissants with 81 layers of laminated dough, morning buns, ciabatta and more. 🥐🍞 📍 7831 E. Wrightstown Rd. 📍 3855 E. Broadway Blvd. Both locations will be open 7 am-2 pm throughout October. If the pop-up is a success, Proof Bread says it could become a permanent Tucson operation. Read the article on Tucsonfoodie.com