While nobody will look back longingly on pandemic-ridden 2020, it did prompt ingenuity and force people outside of their comfort zones. That was especially true in the case of local craft breweries, which literally had to head outside of their four walls once state and local governments allowed them to do so. Not only did this provide more square-footage to service patrons at the height of COVID distancing, it also gave brewery owners a preview of a viable, long-term method of expanding their footprints in a way that would be meaningful for them and their customers.
Such was the case for Hopnonymous Brewing, which, like so many of its contemporaries, set up a tent in the parking and delivery area just off its tasting room, then literally rolled out the barrels, using them as belly bars in that makeshift construct. The Kearny Mesa operation’s fans have come to appreciate, if not prefer, the outdoor option given how regularly the popular tasting room is packed. Hopnonymous owner Rémy Zurita is happy they’re happy, but wants to make them even happier with a brand-new outdoor terrace.
“COVID gave us a taste of outdoor seating, but we’ve been wanting to offer a cozier, safer and more comfortable outside space for some time,” says Zurita. “Our new shaded terrace is based on the design of our tasting room, with warm red wood and a cozy atmosphere.”
The terrace, which is located in front of the business’ main entrance, has music piped in as well as lighting for evening imbibing. It is outfitted with a rail bar for drinks, an array of games and sidles up to an area designated for food trucks. But the most thoughtful feature is a set of electronic shades that allows guests to comfortably enjoy the sunset from the southwest-facing structure.
“The whole point of the terrace is to make our entire environment better in terms of aesthetics, comfort and utility. We can’t wait to share the new space with everyone,” says Zurita. A grand opening is in the works, which will include live music, a feature that will be a regular staple at Hopnonymous moving forward.
Once work on the terrace is completed, Zurita and Hopnonymous Head Brewer Hunter Mannix will shift their focus to increasing the company’s production capabilities. To do so, they have enlisted Ryan Brooks, a veteran San Diego brewer and founder of cross-border operation SouthNorte Beer Co., to help them install a larger brewhouse with fermenters to match.
Upping batch sizes will help Hopnonymous keep their more popular beers on tap longer, something that has proven challenging since the company debuted in 2019. It is one of a number of initiatives Zurita and Mannix are considering to ensure their steadily maturing operation realizes its potential.
Hopnonymous Brewing is located at 7705 Convoy Court in Kearny Mesa