Pabst Brewing Co. Initiates Layoffs Amid Legal Challenges

Pabst Brewing Co. office in San Antonio with for lease sign

San Antonio, Texas, December 12, 2025

Pabst Brewing Co. has announced layoffs affecting 60 to 70 employees in its San Antonio office, following a lawsuit alleging violations of the WARN Act. The company did not provide the required 60 days’ notice before the layoffs. As Pabst seeks to sublease its new office space in The Soto building, questions arise about its future and the impact on the local economy, which is already facing challenges in the brewing and manufacturing sectors.


San Antonio, Texas – Pabst Brewing Co. has recently announced layoffs affecting approximately 60 to 70 employees from its San Antonio office, following a lawsuit filed on December 9, 2025. The lawsuit alleges that the company violated the federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act due to their failure to provide the required 60 days’ notice before the layoffs. Without officially being served with the lawsuit, the company has yet to comment on the specifics of the case, but a spokesperson indicated that they believe they have adhered to the law. In this challenging economic landscape, Pabst’s CEO, Greig DeBow, reiterated the company’s commitment to fostering a strong corporate culture and driving growth and innovation.

The timing of these layoffs coincides with Pabst’s decision to sublease its 25,323-square-foot office space located in The Soto building on Broadway, in San Antonio’s River North district, which the company had just moved into in 2023. This significant shift in their operational footprint raises questions about the broader implications for both the company and the local economy.

H3: Background on Pabst Brewing Co.
Pabst Brewing Co., established in 1844 and widely recognized for brands including Pabst Blue Ribbon, Old Milwaukee, Lone Star, Colt 45, Old Style, and Schlitz, has adapted to an evolving marketplace over the years. Recent notable changes include the closure of its Milwaukee brewery in 2020 and a significant acquisition by Metropoulos & Co. in 2025, which engaged as an investor in branded consumer products.

H3: Recent Developments in River North Office Market
The River North area in San Antonio is undergoing a notable transformation, with trends indicating an increasing shift from office spaces toward residential conversions. Developers are changing underutilized office spaces into residential units and retail, as evidenced by the redevelopment of a seven-story building, signaling adaptability within the local real estate market to meet changing demands.

H3: Legal Implications of Layoffs
The WARN Act’s stipulations are critical for employers, mandating a 60-day notice period for mass layoffs or plant closures. Non-compliance can lead to significant legal actions and financial repercussions. The current legal proceedings against Pabst Brewing Co. not only have the potential to affect the company’s operations but also play a vital role in shaping employee relations moving forward in this challenging context.

H3: Impact on San Antonio’s Economy
The recent layoffs at Pabst Brewing Co. underscore the ongoing challenges facing San Antonio’s economy, particularly within its brewing and manufacturing sectors. The closure of the company’s office, paired with possible legal consequences, could impact local employment rates and the overall economic stability of the area, which continues to experience fluctuations in various industries.

H3: Future Outlook for Pabst Brewing Co.
As Pabst Brewing Co. confronts these challenges, uncertainties loom regarding its future operations and strategic direction. While specific plans following the layoffs have not yet been revealed, stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation to evaluate long-term implications for the brand’s market presence and operations in the region.

H3: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the WARN Act?

The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act is a federal law that requires employers to provide 60 days’ notice before mass layoffs or plant closures. This notice must be given to affected employees, the state, and local government officials. Failure to comply can result in legal action and financial penalties.

How many employees were affected by the layoffs at Pabst Brewing Co.?

Approximately 60 to 70 employees were laid off from Pabst Brewing Co.’s San Antonio office, according to a lawsuit filed on December 9, 2025. The lawsuit alleges that the company violated the WARN Act by failing to provide the required 60 days’ notice before the layoffs.

What is the current status of Pabst Brewing Co.’s San Antonio office?

Pabst Brewing Co. has placed its 25,323-square-foot office space in The Soto building, located at 711 Broadway in San Antonio’s River North district, on the sublease market. The company moved into this office in 2023 and is now seeking to exit the space.

What are the potential legal consequences for Pabst Brewing Co.?

The lawsuit filed against Pabst Brewing Co. seeks 60 days’ pay and other associated costs for the affected employees. The outcome of the lawsuit may have significant implications for the company’s operations and employee relations, as the WARN Act requires employers to provide 60 days’ notice before mass layoffs or plant closures.

How does this situation affect San Antonio’s economy?

The layoffs at Pabst Brewing Co. contribute to the ongoing challenges in San Antonio’s economy, particularly in the brewing and manufacturing sectors. The closure of the company’s office and the potential legal consequences may affect local employment rates and economic stability.

H3: Key Features of the Situation

Feature Details
Company Involved Pabst Brewing Co.
Location of Office San Antonio, Texas
Number of Employees Laid Off Approximately 60 to 70
Legal Action Lawsuit filed alleging violation of the WARN Act
Office Space Details 25,323-square-foot office in The Soto building, 711 Broadway
Office Move-In Date 2023
Current Status of Office Sublease market
Potential Legal Consequences Seeking 60 days’ pay and other associated costs for affected employees
Impact on San Antonio’s Economy Potential effects on local employment rates and economic stability

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

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STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER

The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.

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