Popular downtown Rockford brewery getting a new owner from just up the street

Carlyle Brewing Co. owner Don Carlyle took to Facebook Saturday morning to let people know that he is officially retiring after 20 years, and that he has a plan to keep brewery going after he's gone. And it involves another downtown Rockford business.

"It is with great pleasure and excitement to announce that in the coming weeks, we will work to transition ownership of Carlyle to our friends Joe and Anne D’Astice, owners of Woodfire Pizza," Carlyle wrote.

"Please join us in congratulating them on the expansion of their already successful downtown business which, too, has become a beloved staple in this community. We wish them nothing but the best and are confident that through their vision, guidance and leadership both businesses will continue to thrive as sought out and unique downtown Rockford destinations."

Joe and Anne D'Astice over at Woodfire followed with the following post to social media:

"Downtown Rockford is a great place to work and visit. One business that has made it such a special place since its founding in 2003 is Carlyle Brewing Co. Don and Ro of Carlyle have given Rockford something that we can all be proud of. It was their vision, determination, and hard work that made Carlyle what it is today. We want to thank them for this Rockford Original and for being part of the fabric of downtown Rockford for so many years.

"We are grateful and proud to announce that we will continue the tradition of Carlyle Brewing as we work to transition ownership of Carlyle to our Woodfire family. We are honored to soon be the owners of Carlyle but more importantly stewards of this great Rockford institution."

The announcement comes a year after Carlyle reopened after being closed for eight months in 2021.

Carlyle Brewing Co. is located at 215 E. State St. Woodfire Pizza is at 408 E. State St.

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Popular downtown brewery to get new owner