Mahoning Valley business roundup: Brews, crafts and a grocery giant deal. Here's what to know

Local businesses across the Mahoning Valley are making moves this summer, from craft beer collaborations to a new handmade gift shop. Meanwhile, a major grocery acquisition is set to reshape the regional supermarket landscape.

Here are key takeaways:

• Red Rican and Birdfish Brewing Co. teamed up to create Borikén Brew, a small-batch light lime beer debuting July 18 at Birdfish Brewing in Columbiana, with live music from the Mahoning Valley Latin Orchestra and food from the Red Rican Food Truck.
• Birdfish Brewing also released a commemorative Bird Light Lager six-pack with a special America 250 red, white and blue label, packaged in partnership with America 250 Columbiana.
• The Crafty Coop, a new gift shop at 1393 Youngstown-Kingsville Road SE in Vienna, opened in June featuring products from 20 local craft vendors selling cards, wood products, oils, candles and more.
• Owner Beth Woodside said the idea for The Crafty Coop came from her six-year-old grandson, who recommended she open a store to sell her handmade primitive and farmhouse products.
• Giant Eagle, the family-owned regional chain with 197 supermarkets and 11 standalone pharmacies, agreed to be acquired by The Kroger Company for $1.65 billion, with the deal expected to close in 2027.
• Giant Eagle stores will retain their name under Kroger ownership, and the acquisition expands Kroger’s reach into adjacent markets across northern Ohio, western Pennsylvania, Indiana, West Virginia and Maryland.

The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The source reporting referenced above was written and edited entirely by journalists.