KALAMAZOO, MI -- Gonzo’s BiggDogg Brewing will become Saugatuck Brewing Company – Kalamazoo under a merger announced Friday.

Management of the Kalamazoo taproom and microbrewery will transfer to the Douglas-based microbrewer and winemaker. The merger still requires approval from the Michigan Liquor Control Commission and the Alcohol Tabacco Tax and Trade Bureau, which will likely be decided later this year.

Popular Gonzo’s specialty beers will continue to be served at its Kalamazoo taproom, located at 140 S. Westnedge Ave., including the popular Vanilla Porter. Saugatuck Brewing Co. products will begin being produced and served in Kalamazoo on March 20.

Megan Scheerhorn, vice president of marketing at the Saugatuck Brewing Co., said the two companies entered into a management contract that will allow shareholders of Gonzo’s to own Saugatuck Brewing Co. stock. The 23-member Gonzo’s staff will be welcomed to keep their jobs under the new ownership structure, she said.

The Kalamazoo location will continue to serve its traditional food menu with a few new items. Serving hours will be increased to include lunch, seven days a week.

“We are excited for this opportunity to work with Saugatuck Brewing Company’s marketing team and extensive distribution network throughout the United States and worldwide for a more expansive consumer reach," said Paul Nowaczyk, member of Gonzo’s BiggDogg Brewing LLC.

Employees at Gonzo's BiggDogg Brewing and Saugatuck Brewing Co. pose for a photo at Gonzo's Kalamazoo taproom. (Photo provided to MLive.com by Saugatuck Brewing Co.)

Pint club memberships at Gonzo’s will be honored under the new management. Pint club members will receive the same benefits enjoyed by Saugatuck Brewing members, including with discounts at both the Kalamazoo and Douglas locations.

Gonzo’s craft beers will be distributed from Douglas to markets in Michigan and Chicago. Scheerhorn said Saugatuck Brewing is working with distributors to determine how the Gonzo’s brand will be handled moving forward.

Scheerhorn said Saugatuck Brewing was looking for an opportunity to open a second location for “a long time.” Discussions with Gonzo’s began in November 2018, she said.

“When this came across as an opportunity, we were ready and excited and we knew it was right,” Scheerhorn said.

Saugatuck Brewing Company was founded in 2005 is a full production microbrewery with a traditional family style pub featuring a full menu, outdoor seating and live entertainment year-round. The brewery has a combined 31 taps between 2 tap rooms, offering unique beer styles all produced in house, plus wine and hard cider.

The company distributes 18 signature styles throughout Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Florida, New Jersey, Nevada, Tennessee and Nebraska, plus several foreign markets.

Scheerhorn said there will likely be a public event in Kalamazoo to celebrate the merger. Details will be announced soon, she said.

“We’re excited to be entering into this new Market and be serving our beers along with other great breweries and craft beer bars in the Kalamazoo area,” Scheerhorn said. “This is a great opportunity for us to grow as a company and continue the legacy of making great beer at this location for the people of Kalamazoo.”