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breput

Ironically, Anchor Brewing was:

* Originally built up by Germans

* Run into the ground by San Franciscans

* Rescued and reinvigorated by an Iowan

* Run into the ground by Japanese

which actually is a perfect SF story.

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Not enough good things said about the Germans and their influence in American culture

The tucked away little towns built by German hands are imo, some of the prettiest places in Texas. It makes you realize that places are what they are because of the people who made them and live in them. When humans love their craft, it shows. Imo, the love of one's craft is an area that German people have shined in for a long time. I am thankful.

For those not from Texas or not having visited before, two of the towns that almost certainly are being referenced by parent poster are New Braunfels and Fredericksburg. Both are somewhat well known by Texans but probably not known well outside of here (well, perhaps if you like wine you know of Fredericksburg otherwise).

Both are very cozy towns that are a bit touristy (Fredericksburg more so) that really cherish German culture and you can get about as authentic an experience as you can get in the States in each town. It is really neat

You nailed it. Those were exactly the two places I had in mind. I'm thankful for those places. They make Texas better.

Yeah, the Buc-ee’s and Coopers of New Braunfels really brought me back to the old German countryside. :)

The most popular spots there aren’t even remotely German (even the non-chains like Gristmill), but it is interesting how appealing the German look is to some of the architecture in the old town. People’s infatuation with the location (including my own) does seem to be very superficial rather than any real relationship to Germany.

Yeah hence the “as you can get” qualifier. I do think the experience walks the line on kitsch, but in the absolute most positive way possible. There’s a lot of genuine love for the culture in both locations, even if it isn’t exactly 100% German. Bucees fits right in, since they really know how to kitsch it up. Wurstfest is a lot of fun

> it is interesting how appealing the German look is to some of the architecture in the old town

Architecture is a huge deal! Imo, it is fair and good to appreciate the architecture of other places.

I humbly implore you to read the book, "The Pillars of the Earth" by Ken Follett. It tells the story of the work that historically went into a cathedral. They didn't just spring up, some of these were generational projects. Architecture is a really big deal.

Some Czech culture here and there as well

Most of the midwest is so permeated by German substrate that it's not even visible. If it's not ethnic, it's German.

Apologies but this is such a hilarious Americanism: "If it's not ethnic it's German"

> * Rescued and reinvigorated by an Iowan

A rich kid of German descent who bought a brewery. Go figure.

I don't get what is SF about this - can you expand?

Since moving to the bay area 15 years ago, I've personally had this happen twice to my employer (get bought by people who don't have intimate knowledge of the particulars of the business, then mismanaged, then shutdown).

I dont know why, but I can confirm this is "so Bay Area/SF" for me relating to my personal experience.

I was mostly riffing on the "Anchor Brewing Was San Francisco" title, but the boom and bust cycle of Anchor is quintessentially San Francisco.

But it goes further, including a disastrous rebranding that is probably familiar to many.

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