Colorado craft beer fans took another hit to the heart Friday when Dave Thibodeau, who co-founded Ska Brewing in Durango 30 years ago, said the company has been sold.

The new owners are two longtime Durango families – the Arianos and the Wests – who have been involved in multiple businesses over the decades, including beer distribution.

“I understand some people will be sad, but the [beer] landscape has shifted so much that I think people understand,” Thibodeau said, explaining the Ska had taken on $5 million in debt for expansion plans that never materialized. “At the end of the day, this is the best thing that could have happened. Now we have a solid foundation, and we can start marching forward.”

Thibodeau will remain with the brewery along with longtime executive Steve Breezley, who

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