The first documented existence of a brewery on the location of today's Kneitinger at Arnulfsplatz was recorded more than 400 years ago. After many changes of ownership, in 1861 Johann Kneitinger I came into the possession of the brewery via marriage, together with the already existing Sommerkeller at Galgenberg. The skilled master brewer was the first to develop our strong Bockbier, with great success. After his death, his son Johann Kneitinger II refined the beer recipes even more. He also opened the restaurant at Arnulfsplatz, today known as the "mother house". Then, in the third generation, Johann Kneitinger III continued to manage the traditional company together with his wife Sofie. He died in 1975, and Sofie was his sole heir. While she was still living, she founded the "Hans und Sofie Kneitinger-Stiftung" in 1985. She died in 1991 and since then, the foundation has been the owner and operator of the Johann Kneitinger Brewery.