For a few years I was a regular at Rooftop Brewing, just blocks from Seattle Pacific University. I got to know owner Craig Christian, a lawyer turned brewer, and always loved the beers and friendly staff, many of whom were recent SPU grads.

It’s well known that the popular microbrewery on the southeastern edge of the Ballard Bridge suffered a devastating fire last August that significantly damaged its brewhouse, event space, and tasting room. It has been closed ever since and its fate was unknown, though Christian always said it would reopen somewhere at some point.

That day is here. Starting in early April, Rooftop will assume operations of longtime stalwart Maritime Pacific Brewing on Northwest Ballard Way. According to a Facebook post, Maritime founders George and Jane Hancock are retiring, and Rooftop will take over the space.

Rooftop will continue brewing some Maritime favorites — including Jolly Roger Christmas Ale — and will also serve Maritime food in the iconic Jolly Roger taproom. Rooftop didn’t have any real food options before, other than a third-party food truck in its parking lot.

“This is more than a transition — it’s a merging of two Seattle beer communities,” the post reads. “We’re honored to carry on their legacy at the Jolly Roger Taproom in Ballard.”

Can’t wait to grab a Stargazer IPA again!