Praising the Bar: Burgeon Beer Co.

In the last eight years, Burgeon Beer Co. has gone from a small business sprouting out of the Carlsbad soil into a fan-favorite beer-making operation with a far-reaching root system stretching to taprooms in Vista, Escondido and downtown’s Little Italy neighborhood. The company’s focus on kind, engaging customer service has survived each expansion, arriving intact and adding to the appeal of those satellites. Proof comes in the form of not just one, but two Best Customer Service Award wins at the San Diego Beer News Awards (2020 and 2023), making Burgeon’s frontline staffers the perfect individuals to kick-off our new feature celebrating and helping readers get to know local breweries’ front-of-house standouts, Praising the Bar!

Jenni Jones
General Manager, Burgeon Beer Co.

Where did you grow up?
I grew up a nomad. I was born in California, moved to Switzerland as a kid and then to Nevada for high school. I have since lived up and down the West Coast, from Seattle to San Diego.

What brought you to San Diego?
I worked for a few breweries in Seattle, but my family lived in San Diego. It felt like a great opportunity to continue my passion for beer and be closer to my loved ones. 

When and how did you get into craft beer?
I got into craft beer in college. At the time, I was visiting brew pubs like Pyramid Alehouse and local beer bars in the Bay Area. After graduating, I did sales for Southern Wine & Spirits and I always envied how laid back and fun the beer reps seemed to be. I loved craft beer but it was really the culture that sucked me in. I moved to Seattle on a whim with the specific intent of working for a brewery and landed a sales position at a spot called Hilliards. The rest is history. 

What other beer employers and positions are on your résumé?
I did sales for Fish Tale Ales in Washington and Abnormal Beer Co. here in San Diego. Apart from that, I bartended for a beer bar in Seattle and also at everybody’s favorite local beer bar, Bottlecraft. Now, I am happily planted with Burgeon. I started as a part-time beertender, became assistant manager at our Carlsbad taproom and now serve as the general manager for all our taprooms.

What do you love most about your job? 
Without trying to sound like a cliche, definitely the people. We have a very small attrition rate, so we’ve been able to really come together as a team and as friends. And I think that’s where the magic comes from in regards to our customer service. People can see how much we enjoy working together and it creates a really fun environment for all the staff and guests alike. 

Truth time, what is the part of your job that you like the least? 
I spend a lot more time behind a desk these days, which means earlier start times. For this night owl, it has been a transition, but it has been well worth it and it makes me value my customer-facing time that much more.

What accomplishments are you most proud of from your time in the craft-beer industry
I am most proud of the friends I have made! I’ve made some of the best, lifelong friends in this industry and I know for a fact that I would not be where I am today without them. They are people I can call upon and rely on for anything. I feel like we have all grown up with each other. Some don’t even work in beer anymore, but I can always rely on them to meet up for a cold pint and catch up on life. 

What do you love most about the company you work for? 
First things first, our beer. I genuinely believe that we make the best of the best. We focus on innovation and quality, but it doesn’t stop at the product. Innovation and quality permeate all decision-making. Every conversation starts with what we can do better or different, which makes every day exciting and hopeful; it is ultimately what makes us stay at the top of our game.

What is your favorite beer that your brewery produces? 
Pistil (German-style Pilsner)! Especially Pistil off our side-pull tap at Carlsbad. It always hits the spot.

What are some of your favorite San Diego craft beers, in general?
Rain (Pilsner) from Pure Project Brewing, Agua Baja (Mexican-style lager) from Craft Coast Beer & Tacos, and Hop-Fu! (West Coast IPA) from North Park Beer Co. 

What are some local brewery venues other than your own that you like to refer customers to or patronize when you’re off the clock? 
Craft Coast and Pure Project are definitely the first two that come to mind. They are friends, make awesome beer and are close to home!

Who are some of your favorite regulars and why? 
Paddy! When you’re in the weeds he is always patient, and when you need a break from the craziness he is a calm energy. Plus he gives great hugs! The crew – Gordon, Shannon, Tim, Mandy, Brandon, Sam and Cliff – never a dull moment with you guys! They always bring an awesome energy to the brewery. And shout-out to my girl, Gracie! If you are having a hard day she is there with hugs and smiles. She makes it her mission to make everyone’s day better.

Everybody has funny work stories. Would you mind sharing one with us? 
It was my very first day at the brewery. I was a little nervous and really, really wanted to do well, make friends, follow the rules, etc. So, this guy came in with a backpack and his dog on a leash. When he approached the bar to order, I asked for his ID. He paused and was a little confused, but grabbed his wallet and showed me. That guy was Burgeon’s co-founder, Derek Van Leeuwen! My coworker leaned over laughing and said, “Do you know who you just ID’d?” In my defense, I had not met him yet. Nobody will let me live this down even over three years later!

What music genre and artists are playing in the tasting room when you’re in control? 
At work, I mostly stick to the classics. Anything from the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s. Pop, rock…whatever! I have a playlist I made with my dad for a long road trip years ago that includes artists like Queen, Billy Joel, the Bee Gees, Eagles and more. When I feel like more contemporary options I play Glass Animals Radio on Spotify. It usually has a nice alternative, psychedelic/indie-pop vibe. It’s a great Sunday morning playlist. 

What do you consider cornerstones when it comes to customer service, particularly at a brewery tasting room?  
The top three words that come to mind are community, knowledge and patience. Breweries are innately places of community gathering, so it isn’t enough just to serve beer. At Burgeon we strive for customer connection, meaning we aren’t just serving beer with a smile. It’s also how we engage our customers after that first sip. We have genuine interest in our guests’ lives and the role we play in bringing people together. Beer knowledge is also a large piece of our interactions. It is important to note it is not just our own beer. With all of the new styles and hops that are constantly emerging, a beertender’s knowledge has to extend past the brewery walls to communicate why what we do matters and why we think we are the best! And lastly, patience. In any service position you deal with all kinds of people from all walks of life. And let’s be honest, not everyone is a joy to serve and everyone has an off day. But having patience not only benefits the customer’s experience, but also our own. We have the joy of getting to pour beer for people everyday and get paid to do it! At the end of the day, that joy for beer is what should come across to each person. 

What advice would you give to customers looking to have the best possible experience when visiting a brewery taproom? 
Just come to Burgeon! But really, I think no matter where you go, come with a positive attitude and an eagerness to try something new. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and remember that the best way to try something is by ordering a full pint! 

What are your career aspirations either in or beyond the craft-beer industry? 
I have definitely found a home at Burgeon. With how much Burgeon continues to grow, I see a long career ahead. Beyond beer, my husband and I dream of opening a farmhouse bed-and-breakfast in the mountains some day. Proximity to breweries is a must! Maybe we can feed our goats and chickens some local spent grain.

What are some of your favorite beer events, whether at your brewery or elsewhere? 
Our anniversary invitational is always such a knockout event. Even working the event is such a blast! We always have new breweries, games and beers to try. And even with the rain the last few years, our Burgeon fam really shows up! It’s such a testament to what we’ve created.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work? 
Cooking for others and reading take up most of my time outside of work. I often bring home-cooked dishes to share at the brewery. My latest endeavor has been making bread from our spent grain. cheddar-jalapeño Invita (Mexican-style lager) bread was pretty tasty! And you will never catch me without my Kindle. I read poolside, at the bar, at the dog park, on breaks…pretty much any time I can sneak a chapter in. I typically oscillate between fantasy and non-fiction. My favorite author is Mary Roach, who captures the absurdity of being a human through the lens of different scientific inquiries in each of her books. And I love spending time with my family. My husband, Noah and our dog, Daisy, are the best things to come home to, read beside, cook for or just be around, in general. And getting to do all those things with them, beer in hand! 

Who do you think you are (a purposely broad question requiring a succinct answer)? 
Someone who always tries to do right by the people I care about.

Melody Campbell
Culture & Events Manager

Where did you grow up?
La Canada, California in the Los Angeles foothills. Go Dodgers!

What brought you to San Diego? 
My husband Mike’s family started moving down here and we would visit often. One day we looked at each other and said, “Why don’t we live here?” We moved five months later in April 2005.

When and how did you get into craft beer?
Beer was always my drink of choice, my first craft beers were from Pizza Port and Karl Strauss. October 2010, I was driving up Sycamore Avenue in Vista and I saw a sign for a new business called Iron Fist Brewing a half-mile from my house. I pulled into the parking lot to confirm that a brewery was for sure going in that close to us and found out their soft-opening was the following weekend. We went and, within a short time, we were super regulars, then volunteers and, a few months later, Mike and I started bartending there on the weekends. I was full-time very quickly after that, leaving my teaching career to work in craft beer.

What other beer employers and positions are on your résumé?
I was taproom manager and did events for Iron Fist, was the chaos coordinator helping wherever needed for Toolbox Brewing, managed the bar for Fallbrook Brewing and its sister-spot, Firehouse Q and Brew restaurant, before coming to Burgeon in 2018.

What do you love most about your job? 
So many things, but the “culture” part of my job is my favorite. I love connecting with people, especially our team. We have the most incredible people in the industry working here. Maintaining morale and fostering longevity in our team is the most important thing to me. I love celebrating others’ successes, as it makes our whole team feel proud and inspired.

Truth time, what is the part of your job that you like the least? 
The torrential downpour we have once-a-year on the “wrong” day in January, AKA: the day we hold our anniversary invitational beer festival!

What accomplishments are you most proud of from your time in the craft-beer industry? 
Definitely the friendships and connections that I have made and maintained throughout the years in this industry. It is full of amazing people that I am so happy to have around me.

What do you love most about the company you work for? 
It really is a big extended family. The owners genuinely care about each of us and want us to be happy, and that goes a very long way, making it easy to go above and beyond on a daily basis.

What is your favorite beer that your brewery produces? 
Treevana IPA!

What are some of your favorite San Diego craft beers, in general? 
My first love in craft beer was a Kölsch, Renegade Blonde by Iron Fist. I have evolved into a massive West Coast IPA lover, specifically Treevana or any other Burgeon westy, but I do love Craft Coast’s Sad Cowboy, Societe Brewing’s The Pupil and Pizza Port’s Poor Man’s IPA.

What are some local brewery venues other than your own that you like to refer customers to or patronize when you’re off the clock? 
Craft Coast, Fall Brewing and Carlsbad Brewing

Who are some of your favorite regulars and why? 
This is hard. There are so many. Gracie Ingham: best hugs, warm and genuine. Derrick Thomann: great friend, someone who would drop anything to help if you needed it. Steve and Ellen Tallman: they created the best brewer in the world – thank you for that – and I love chatting with them. Tim O’Malley and his whole friend group: He wrote an amazing letter about how much he loves Burgeon. He is a great human.

Everybody has funny work stories. Would you mind sharing one with us? 
Someone came in and asked, “What domestic beers do you all have on tap?” I responded, “All of them. Doesn’t get any more domestic than being made in the building.” Several people have walked in and said, “What burgers do you have today?” Burgeon often gets mistaken for a burger joint.

What music genre and artists are playing in the tasting room when you’re in control? 
Everyone knows and sometimes makes fun of me because it always has been and always will be reggae, specifically Rebelution Radio. Reggae vibes are the best vibes.

What do you consider cornerstones when it comes to customer service, particularly at a brewery tasting room? 
Burgeon has changed our verbiage here from “customer service” to “customer connection”. Our team has a very unique way of stepping it up with our customers and really connecting with every single person that comes in the door. We all do this really well; it makes the experience memorable and we create regular customers because of it. Personally, I make it a point to remember everyone’s name and try to create a friendship right off the bat. I always joke that I force everyone to be my friend. Friendship is my favorite. 

What advice would you give to customers looking to have the best possible experience when visiting a brewery taproom? 
Firstly, try to sit at the bar. Sitting at the bar is the best way to strike up a conversation and to feel the vibes of the space. Also, ask questions about the brewery’s history. There is always a fun story behind the beginnings of the space, the decor or the people.

What are your career aspirations either in or beyond the craft-beer industry? 
Well, Burgeon is stuck with me. I won’t work for another brewery in my career. I love my job too much. It really doesn’t feel like I come to “work” everyday. It is home.

What are some of your favorite beer events, whether at your brewery or elsewhere? 
Our invitational is number one for me, I help plan it from beginning-to-end and it’s a super special day. I loved the San Diego Brewers Guild’s festivals that used to happen at the beginning of San Diego Beer Week. I miss those a lot. I love beer dinners at O’Brien’s Pub and, of course, the San Diego Beer News Awards is so fun. It always becomes a huge family reunion.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work? 
Seeing live music with my hubby is my favorite pastime. We also love camping.

Who do you think you are (a purposely broad question requiring a succinct answer)? 
A lover of life and music, and beer-friend to everyone.

Noah Scoville
Carlsbad Taproom Manager

Where did you grow up?
I was born in Santa Monica right after the Northridge Earthquake and my parents had to move. They chose Encinitas, but I lived pretty much my whole life in San Diego.

When and how did you get into craft beer?
I would say I got into craft beer in college, 2012-ish. The a-ha moment for me was when my mom brought home some Red Trolley (Irish-style red ale) from Karl Strauss and let me try it. The lightbulb clicked on and I said, “Whoa! There’s beer that has flavor and tastes pretty damn good? That’s rad!” At that point I was under-age, but my mom made sure I enjoyed responsibly.

What other beer employers and positions are on your résumé?
Stone Brewing was where I started my beer career in 2017. I worked at the Stone Company Store locations and led brewery tours.

What do you love most about your job? 
I love that I work for a brand and product that I support, and the fact that I can share that love with whoever walks in our doors is pretty awesome.

Truth time, what is the part of your job that you like the least? 
We’ve got rocks in our sinks in the Carlsbad taproom and we clean them every week. That is definitely the worst!

What accomplishments are you most proud of from your time in the craft-beer industry? 
The relationships that I have gained from this industry are absolutely insane. I also love the amount of different beers – rare or not – that I have been able to try.

What do you love most about the company you work for? 
Well, that Anthony Tallman* guy is pretty sweet. But in all honesty, the beer is at the center of our brand and it will always hold such a strong, communal role in my heart.

* Author’s Note: Anthony Tallman is Burgeon’s co-founding head brewer.

What is your favorite beer that your brewery produces? 
Carlsbad Crush Mosaic Pale Ale

What are some of your favorite San Diego craft beers, in general? 
Pure Project’s Rain, Craft Coast’s Agua Baja and Birdie to Bogey (California Pilsner) from North Park Beer Co. They are approachable styles with a little sprinkle of hop presence!

What are some local brewery venues other than your own that you like to refer customers to or patronize when you’re off the clock? 
Pure Project, Craft Coast, Culver Beer Co., North Park Beer Co. and Harland Brewing.

Who are some of your favorite regulars and why? 
Honestly, all of them are amazing. And I say that because I would – and have with most – go hang out and have a beer with them outside of Burgeon.

Everybody has funny work stories. Would you mind sharing one with us? 
Long story short, our assistant manager, Joel Ballesteros, and I pranked Burgeon beertender and sustainability expert, Jenna Long, by making her think she had to compile a presentation on her research for “2% For The Planet” and present it to one of our owners. She asked three other coworkers about this before finding out it was all a hoax. We’re big prank guys over here! 

What music genre and artists are playing in the tasting room when you’re in control? 
I am all over the place! Some days we’ve got Milky Chance, Jurassic 5, The Stooges and, if I am feeling wild, Tool comes on.

What do you consider cornerstones when it comes to customer service, particularly at a brewery tasting room? 
A welcoming presence and also being able to talk about the beer you are pouring, even if it is one specific hop or taste profile.

What advice would you give to customers looking to have the best possible experience when visiting a brewery taproom? 
Come in thirsty and have an open palate! There are a lot of great beers out there right now.

What are your career aspirations either in or beyond the craft-beer industry? 
Keep spreading the love and suds of Burgeon Beer and eventually become Derek Van Leeuwen’s boss!

What are some of your favorite beer events, whether at your brewery or elsewhere? 
Zwanze Day at Bagby Beer Co. has been a recurring one for me, but it might be RIP now that the business has been taken over by Green Cheek Beer Co.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work? 
Hanging with my family and friends, trying to golf and long walks on the beach.

Who do you think you are (a purposely broad question requiring a succinct answer)? 
The person pouring you your next beer!

Joey Gelsomino
The Oasis Taproom Manager

Where did you grow up?
Escondido native through and through!

When and how did you get into craft beer?
In 2016, I sought out a job in beer and landed with a small company called Anheuser-Busch. I had a pretty interesting job to start. It was filling orders for events, but not just smaller events around San Diego. It included events at Qualcomm Stadium, Petco Park, the San Diego Sports Arena and large music venues across the county. I had an all-access badge, I was the beer guy. I loaded all the stands and portables, and then enjoyed the events when they started. It was hard work – almost 400 kegs touched every two weeks – but a fun and great start. I got to learn about draft-maintenance and builds from 20-to-30-year veterans in the industry and met some lifelong friends.

What other beer employers and positions are on your résumé?
I worked as a field salesman for Iron Fist after Budweiser.

What do you love most about your job?
Our customers. Getting to see our people regularly makes coming into The Oasis (Escondido taproom) a dream come true. We have the best customers, the families and the doggos. And, of course, seeing all our coworkers that come to visit us throughout the week.

Truth time, what is the part of your job that you like the least?
The constant cleaning. We’re all-outdoors. It’s a labor of love. We want to provide every person coming to The Oasis with the best experience possible. 

What accomplishments are you most proud of from your time in the craft-beer industry?
Growing a location organically from the ground up. It feels like such a privilege to be able to work at a location in my hometown. I’ve seen families grow and bring a ton of joy to us at the location. It really does make all the difference.

What do you love most about the company you work for?
Our people. From our ownership to our social-media team, our brewers, delivery drivers, back-of-house and front-of-house team alike, Burgeon is a family. It’s the best work family I have personally ever had.

What is your favorite beer that your brewery produces?
Carlsbad Crush! I remember when we first brewed it. It’s so good and so easy to drink. Mosaic forever!

What are some of your favorite San Diego craft beers, in general?
Hop-Fu! from North Park Beer Co., 2 AM Bike Ride (coffee and vanilla stout) from Fall and Aurora Hoppyalis (IPA) from Karl Strauss.

What are some local brewery venues other than your own that you like to refer customers to or patronize when you’re off the clock?
Craft Coast in San Marcos, Pure Project in Vista and Pizza Port in Bressi Ranch.

Who are some of your favorite regulars and why?
This is gonna be a long list. We have the best customers who have literally become family and friends. Without naming names, I’m just gonna say the entire Oasis Beer Club. The club is free and it’s for everyone. Have you been to The Oasis? Boom, you are in the club! I know I said I didn’t wanna say any names but super shout-out to the Leetch Fam, Trejo Squad, Marrones, Cody and Tab from the Beer Night in San Diego podcast, the soon-to-be-married Phil and Arielle, Bragg-Pariseau Fam, Harris Fam, Opel Fam, Jefferis Fam, Nicholas Fam, Dawn and Jeremy, Shawna, Dennis and Anne, and many, many, many more. Love you all. Thank you for supporting our business and location!

Everybody has funny work stories. Would you mind sharing one with us?
My wife and I found out we were pregnant with our daughter Isabella the week The Oasis opened in November 2020. Poor Kailyn couldn’t have a beer, but Isabella and our entire family has been part of The Oasis since its inception. 

What music genre and artists are playing in the tasting room when you’re in control?
We got it all! I’m very into ‘70s and ‘80s rock. Some days you’ll come in and hear some Grateful Dead, Steely Dan and Led Zeppelin, then we move around to The Clash and some older punk, then we move around and play A Tribe Called Quest and some fun hip-hop. We’re all over the place and switch it up every day.

What do you consider cornerstones when it comes to customer service, particularly at a brewery tasting room?
Making the customers feel like regulars from the beginning. Whether it’s your first time or fiftieth, we want you to continue to come back and see us. We have an all-inclusive space built for everyone.

What advice would you give to customers looking to have the best possible experience when visiting a brewery taproom?
This is all about what your wants and needs are. Most breweries have an updated tap list available online. This will best suit your needs on what you want. Hop-forward beers, come to Burgeon! Stouts and porters? Maybe look around…ha! Also, follow and support your favorite food trucks. Supporting both is great!

What are your career aspirations either in or beyond the craft-beer industry?
My story is still being written. I have spent almost six years with Burgeon and I am looking forward to many more years to come.

What are some of your favorite beer events, whether at your brewery or elsewhere?
Biased opinion but The Oasis’s anniversary party is a ton of fun. I love having that yearly. Also our big Burgeon anniversary that happens in January is so awesome. We bring in the best breweries from Cali and out of state. There’s so much awesome beer. I can’t wait to do it again!

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?
I love playing a little hockey, hanging out with my lil peanut, Isabella, my wonderful wife Kailyn and doggo, Loki. Beach trips with the fam, walking on Grand Avenue in Escondido…the little things. Oh yeah, I have a lot of shoes, too. You’ll always catch me in a fresh pair of shoes at The Oasis.

Who do you think you are (a purposely broad question requiring a succinct answer)?
Easily put, I’m just Joey G.

Jonathan Parker
The Arbor Lead Bartender

Where did you grow up?
I was born at Tri-City Hospital and grew up in Oceanside.

What other beer employers and positions are on your résumé?
I started in craft beer in 2006 and worked at Stone Brewing in Escondido for almost 14 years. I even did a little of the construction on Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens before it opened and worked almost every position on the front-of-house side.

What do you love most about your job?
I love that there is always something to learn or expand on in the industry. I have learned a lot about sustainable food and so much about beer, both of which are beautiful forms of art.

Truth time, what is the part of your job that you like the least?
The thing I like the least about the job is having to clean up after people who have had too much to drink. It is bound to happen in any job with alcohol, but it’s no fun.

What accomplishments are you most proud of from your time in the craft-beer industry?
I am most proud about just being part of the craft beer movement in San Diego. Stone had a big hand in that and made some amazing beer. And now to be a part of the next generation with Burgeon is great, and it’s easy to sell because it is always so good!

What do you love most about the company you work for?
I love working for Burgeon because of the commitment to quality and the craft. There’s no cutting corners and you can tell when you taste it.

What is your favorite beer that your brewery produces?
For sure my favorite beer is Clever Kiwi New Zealand Pilsner.

What are some of your favorite San Diego craft beers, in general?
I love the beers from Mcilhenney Brewing, North Park Beer Co., Pure Project and Green Cheek.

Who are some of your favorite regulars and why?
My favorite regulars would have to be our neighbors from False Idol. They come in a lot and are working in the trenches alongside us.

Everybody has funny work stories. Would you mind sharing one with us?
One of the funniest work moments for me was when Danny Trejo came in and said he has a fish taco spot and really liked the tacos we were serving. He was a really nice guy.

What music genre and artists are playing in the tasting room when you’re in control?
We listen to all kinds of music, but love playing some punk or rock. Everyone sings along!

What do you consider cornerstones when it comes to customer service, particularly at a brewery tasting room?
I think the main thing for customer service is just being attentive to individual likes. Everyone has unique taste and I try to relate with that.

What advice would you give to customers looking to have the best possible experience when visiting a brewery taproom?
I would suggest trying something different or out of the ordinary, especially for Burgeon’s taprooms. I get people saying all the time that they don’t like IPAs who change their minds by the time they leave.

What are your career aspirations either in or beyond the craft-beer industry?
I just love to learn as much as I can and try to expand into new territories as much as I can. I am interested in all parts of brewing and love learning more.

What are some of your favorite beer events, whether at your brewery or elsewhere?
My favorite beer event was Stone’s Pour it Black dark-beer festival back in the day. They served barrel-aged fire from all the best breweries.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?
When I am not working I am for sure outside in the mountains, desert or at the beach. California is so beautiful and there is so much to see and explore. I try to bring a Treevana with me every time I summit a mountain, even when I go to the top of Mount Whitney. That was the best-tasting Treevana I’ve ever had!

Who do you think you are (a purposely broad question requiring a succinct answer)?
A hardworking man who takes pride in what I do, thanks to my single mother, who showed me what a badass really is.

Bri Hurtado
The Grove Bartender

Where did you grow up? 
I’m a native San Diegan.

When and how did you get into craft beer? 
I got into craft beer about seven months ago when I got offered my job at Burgeon. I definitely had an a-ha moment during training when we were trying our core beers and different aromas and hops were described to me. I felt like I could finally put words to what I was tasting. I was hooked and so intrigued from then on.

What do you love most about your job? 
I could go on forever about things I love in this job, but if I pinpoint one thing, I would say the community and all the people I get to meet. I have been working different types of hospitality roles since my first job and have never experienced such an amazing community of people who have such an insane amount of love and care for one another just based on the fact we’re in this same industry or simply like craft beer. Within my first day of working at Burgeon, I felt like I had known my peers and regulars for years; they felt like family. 

What accomplishments are you most proud of from your time in the craft beer industry?
I would say my biggest one so far is scoring this job! 

What do you love most about the company you work for? 
The love we have for each other. You could have never worked with a coworker from a different location, yet when you see them they are eager to see you. This goes without saying, but of course, I love our beer! Everywhere I go, I’m always on the lookout for whether or not a place carries Burgeon. 

What is your favorite beer that your brewery produces? 
My favorite so far has been Keepin’ it Real, a West Coast IPA collab with Board & Brew. Unfortunately, we haven’t brewed it again since its release. My everyday core beer has to be Carlsbad Crush. I’m a big Mosaic fan!

What are some of your favorite San Diego craft beers, in general? 
Drink This or the Bees Die, a golden honey ale from Duck Foot Brewing, Harland’s Japanese Lager, Roll the Bones West Coast double IPA from Prey Brewing, anything from Novo Brazil Brewing and Ganja Smugglin’, a “terp-d” (terpene-infused) IPA from Craft Coast!

What are some local brewery venues other than your own that you like to refer customers to or patronize when you’re off the clock? 
I always suggest Craft Coast or Prey. I’m also a big foodie, and they check all the boxes for good beer and great food. 

Who are some of your favorite regulars and why? 
I have too many, but the first people that come to mind are Jake Campbell, Brittney Williams and Mitch Guarneros. These people feel like family to me. They never come empty-handed, and whether that be dinner, some cool cans from a brewery they visited or just themselves, they make my day. They are fun-loving and it feels like my home away from home when I get to see them. 

Everybody has funny work stories. Would you mind sharing one with us? 
My favorite work story so far was when someone made a wrong turn and walked into the back instead of the bathroom, but once told the public entrance was around the other corner they were adamant that they had the right corner even while standing in a room full of cleaning supplies. 

What music genre and artists are playing in the tasting room when you’re in control? 
I’m always playing all kinds of rock from the ‘80s through the 2000s: rock, grunge, alternative, new wave, classic rock…and the list goes on. You will always hear some Journey, Smashing Pumpkins, Pearl Jam, The Rolling Stones, U2, The Cure, Def Leppard, Fleetwood Mac, Alice in Chains, Motley Crue, Stone Temple Pilots, Foo Fighters, Muse, Tears for Fears, The Cult, Green Day, Guns N’ Roses, The Police, Blue Oyster Cult, Genesis, Radiohead and so much more. I also love newer alternative, indie and house acts like Two Door Cinema Club, Empire of the Sun, The Killers, Rufus Du Sol, Tame Impala, Zeds Dead, John Summit, Illenium, Kaskade, Deadmau5 and Dom Dolla. Music is one of my biggest passions. 

What do you consider cornerstones when it comes to customer service, particularly at a brewery tasting room? 
I think the way you present yourself, your willingness to interact with customers and how well you work with other coworkers. Me and my assistant manager have people come in specifically on days we work together just because they love our “vibe” so much. People also love talking about themselves, and when the drinks get flowing they love it even more. Being that person for someone to feel connected to or even vent to is what makes regulars. 

What advice would you give to customers looking to have the best possible experience when visiting a brewery taproom? 
Go in open-minded! I used to be sure I hated IPAs because I had always tried ones with hops I didn’t like. I didn’t have an understanding of how much different hops affect an IPA’s taste.

What are your career aspirations either in or beyond the craft beer industry? 
I would love to work my way up to the more corporate side of the brewing industry. I think everything that happens behind the scenes has a big impact on the success and happiness of customers and employees alike. 

What are some of your favorite beer events, whether at your brewery or elsewhere? 
Anniversary parties are my favorite events, because they bring so many of us together to celebrate the success of local breweries and restaurants we love. 

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work? 
I’m an animal-lover, people person and concertgoer. I like to snowboard in the wintertime. I play the piano and guitar. Although work is usually a boring place for most, a perfect day for me would be going to the beach and getting dinner and drinks at Burgeon!

Who do you think you are (a purposely broad question requiring a succinct answer)? 
I’m driven, loving, social and, luckily, I’m me!

Breweries being spotlighted via our Praising the Bar feature performed exceptionally well in San Diego Beer News Awards voting during the span of 2021 to 2024