CULLMAN, Ala. – Goat Island Brewing LLC has announced the completed sale of a majority ownership interest to longtime shareholder Russell D. Warren Sr., who will serve as the company’s president effective immediately.
The transaction involves the majority interest held by Brad Glenn, Mike Mullaney and John Dean. Mullaney previously served as president, while Glenn and Dean served as vice presidents. The company has multiple shareholders.
Operations will continue uninterrupted as Warren assumes leadership, with plans to invest in both Cullman taprooms and pursue expanded distribution.
Dean will oversee outside sales. Glenn and Mullaney will remain involved during the transition to help ensure a smooth handoff.
Warren, who has been an investor since the company’s founding, credited the original founders with establishing the brewery and its place in the community.
“Having been an investor since the brewery’s earliest days, I’ve had the opportunity to watch its growth firsthand and have always believed in the brand, the people, and the community that have made Goat Island successful,” Warren said.
Goat Island Brewing’s four original founders are Glenn, Mullaney, Dean and Gery Teichmiller. The company formed in early 2015, and the founders worked nights and weekends to convert an empty warehouse into a brewery and taproom before opening in April 2016. The business takes its name from Goat Island on Smith Lake.
The transition follows a decade of growth that included the addition of a downtown location, The Goat at Cotton Creek, in March 2025.
Warren said his commitment is to preserve what makes Goat Island special while investing in its future.
“We look forward to supporting our employees, strengthening relationships with our vendors, distributors, retailers, and customers,” Warren said. “We also want to enhance the experience at both of our taprooms, and continue to brew exceptional craft beverages that our customers have come to expect.”
Goat Island operates its original location at 1646 John Cooper Drive SE and The Goat at Cotton Creek at 417 Third Ave. SW, Suite 135. The original location houses its main production brewery, while Cotton Creek has a smaller brewing system for experimental and small-batch beers.
Cotton Creek opened March 19, 2025. At the time, Mullaney told The Tribune the expansion gave Goat Island a downtown presence and provided a smaller brewing system for developing new beers.
Warren said continued investment in the customer experience at both taprooms will be an immediate priority.
“We also want to expand community events, introduce new products, and strengthen Goat Island’s position as a destination brewery in North Alabama,” Warren said.
The company also intends to pursue distribution in Mississippi and other markets. That would build on a regional presence that, as of April 2025, included Alabama, Georgia, the Florida Panhandle and the Nashville and Chattanooga markets in Tennessee, according to Mullaney’s previous comments to The Tribune.
The announcement did not specify a timetable for entering Mississippi or identify the other markets under consideration. It also did not disclose the purchase price or exact ownership percentage acquired.
Warren said the company remains committed to serving customers, distributors and retail partners throughout the transition.
“As a longtime investor, this acquisition represents a continuation of my commitment to Goat Island, its employees, and the Cullman community,” Warren said. “We are making this investment for the long term and are excited about the opportunities ahead. We look forward to building on Goat Island’s success while honoring the legacy established by its founders.”
