With a passion for craft beer and a drive to be part of the growing craft brewing movement, Michael and Dave LaCross set out to start—or acquire—a brewery in the San Francisco Bay Area. In May 2014, they purchased the established and award-winning Schooner’s Grille & Brewery in Antioch, California, bringing on longtime Brewmaster Craig Cauwels as a key part of the team.

Under their leadership, the brewery quickly gained recognition, winning California Brewery of the Year at the 2014 California State Fair—an impressive achievement against some of the most respected breweries in the state. With over two decades of brewing experience, Craig has built a reputation for producing exceptional craft beer, earning numerous awards from prestigious competitions including the Great American Beer Festival, World Beer Cup, and California State Fair.

Despite its accolades, the brewery had remained largely local. The new ownership often joked that Schooner’s was “the best beer nobody ever tasted” outside of Antioch. Determined to change that, they focused on expanding production and distribution while maintaining the quality that earned their reputation.

To support this growth, they acquired a large production facility in Tracy, California, transforming it into a state-of-the-art brewery and tasting room. With expanded capacity and upgraded infrastructure—including reinforced foundations, large-scale fermenters, an advanced glycol system, reverse osmosis water treatment, and a spacious cold storage facility—they rebranded as Morgan Territory Brewing, inspired by the historic ranch on the “morning side” of Mount Diablo.

In 2023, Morgan Territory Brewing continued its growth by opening a second remote tasting room in Pleasant Hill, California. This expansion marked a significant milestone for the brewery, allowing them to reach new communities while increasing production capabilities. To support the added demand, the team invested in upgraded equipment, expanded logistics, and new roles within the company.

Today, Morgan Territory Brewing is rooted in the independent spirit of California’s early pioneers. The brewery remains committed to crafting bold, diverse, and high-quality beers while building on its award-winning legacy. With the same ownership, the same Brewmaster, and the same passion that started it all, Morgan Territory Brewing continues to grow—proving that the journey is just getting started.