Rock Bottom raises money for firefighters with Fire Chief Ale

Modern Brewery Age, April 28, 2003

For the seventh year in a row, Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery has tapped its specialty brew, Fire Chief Ale as a tribute to firefighters across the nation. Last month, with 31 locations tapping the brew, Rock Bottom's Fire Chief Ale said the effort has proven successful in raising money for firefighters across the country.

"This is our seventh annual event and we've seen a huge progression of money raised for local fire departments and related charities over the years," said Marilyn Davenport, Rock Bottom's Director of Marketing.

In 1997, when the promotion began, $12,000 was raised. Last year the total ran over $80,000. Davenport said she expects this year's take to be even higher.

In addition, Davenport said that most of the restaurants team up with local fire departments and other charities, including the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, to hold events such as bachelor firefighter auctions and firehouse chili cook-offs.

The Louisville, CO-based Rock Bottom Restaurants, Inc. now owns a total of 84 restaurants throughout the U.S. under the names "Old Chicago," "Rock Bottom," "Chophouse & Brewery" and "Walnut Brewery."