Red Robin will soon serve beer co-owned by NFL stars Jason and Travis Kelce at all of its locations, marking the first time a national restaurant chain has added the fast-growing brand to its menu.
Garage Beer will roll out across the casual-dining chain’s system.
The company announced it will offer the brand’s two flavors—Classic Light and Classic Lime—at every location. The launch aligns with an expansion of Red Robin’s bone-in chicken wings, now available in eight-, 12-, or 16-count portions with multiple sauces and dry rubs.
Red Robin CEO Dave Pace described the partnership as a good match for the chain’s lively, social environment. In a statement, he noted the beer pairs well with the restaurant’s wings and burgers, encouraging customers to give the wings another try. “We think they’re some of the best in casual dining,” he said.
The beer brand, launched in 2018, gained momentum after the Kelce brothers acquired a majority stake earlier this year. It has since become one of the country’s fastest-growing beer labels, ranking as Ohio’s largest craft brewery by volume and the 12th-largest nationwide, according to industry data.
Their fame has played a key role in the brand’s growth. Jason, a retired Philadelphia Eagles center, and Travis, a Kansas City Chiefs tight end, host the popular New Heights podcast. Travis’s marriage to pop star Taylor Swift has also boosted the brand’s profile.
Red Robin will promote the new beer with a campaign tied to National Chicken Wing Day. Customers who purchase a limited-edition T-shirt featuring Jason Kelce from GarageBeer.com will receive a gift card for eight bone-in wings.
Garage Beer has partnered with other chains before. In July, it worked with White Castle on a “Super Summer Slider Kit” that included Beer Cheese sliders and branded merchandise. More collaborations with the fast-food chain are planned for later this year.
The beer’s introduction is part of Red Robin’s broader recovery strategy, called the First Choice plan, designed to boost traffic at its 500-plus locations. The chain has faced challenges in recent years due to falling sales and changing consumer preferences, but leadership hopes the Kelce-backed beer and expanded wing menu will attract more diners.
For a brand tied to sports and pop culture, the partnership provides more than just a new drink option.
It offers a way to connect with the Kelces’ fanbase and generate excitement. Whether this leads to long-term growth is uncertain, but Red Robin is counting on the brothers’ influence to bring customers back.
The beer will be available at all Red Robin locations starting this month.
