InBev will put Bud’s patriotic reputation to test

Kitchens, 48, said he isn't all that bothered by the European ownership: "I've been around the world three times in the military. I've drank Budweiser in Germany."

What troubles him is the prospect that InBev might slash its work force in St. Louis, where the brewery employs some 6,000 people.

"If they start cutting jobs where it's massive, then I would stop and switch brands," Kitchens said.

Many in St. Louis are taking a pragmatic approach during happy hour. Several people at local pubs dismissed the idea of boycotting Budweiser outright because it would only worsen the job prospects of those who work at the brewery here, which will become InBev's North American headquarters.

Even the co-founder of SaveAB.com — a Web site that claims to have collected 85,000 signatures opposing the InBev takeover — sent out a statement Wednesday asking supporters not to get behind a boycott.

"A boycott is a bit like cutting off one's nose to spite your face," said co-founder Ed Martin. He has helped organize rallies and the printing of T-shirts opposing the sale of Anheuser-Busch, but is now focused on persuading Brito to keep jobs in St. Louis.

"SaveAB.com was started basically on concerns we had first and foremost for American workers," Martin said.

Devlin, from InBev, suggested that consumers can expect to see Budweiser packaged and sold in much the same way it has been under Anheuser-Busch's current management.

"We'll continue to focus on this market, and help (Anheuser-Busch) do what they already do very well, and see how we can continue to build on that," she said.

While the deal has not yet been approved by shareholders, it seems likely to be completed. The companies both agreed to pay the other a $1.25 billion "break up" fee if either company backs out of the deal, according to a filing Anheuser-Busch filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Wednesday.

Also in msnbc.com business Frustrated shoppers put credit cards away, pay cash MoorHead: New Audi R8 is a refined land rocket Open House: Homes for sale in a winter wonderland ConsumerMan: It's a ruby ... but it's not the real thing   Video: Christmas music sales are booming this holiday

MORE FROM FOOD INC.

Food Inc. Section Front

McDonald's serving up breakfast dollar menu Costco will resume carrying Coke products General Mills cutting sugar in kids' cereal McDonald’s: U.S. same-store sales dip Transgender teen: McDonald’s discriminates McDonald’s rolling out ‘green’ logo in Europe Tyson Foods profit drops, but sales rise Rain may put pumpkin pie in peril McDonald's redesign aims for European lounge Kellogg warns: Brace for an Eggo shortage Food Inc. Section Front   Add Food Inc. headlines to your news reader: