Praising the Bar: San Diego Brewing Co.

All too often, early entrants to the craft-beer scene eventually fall by the wayside, surpassed by newcomers zooming ahead of them on the very trails they helped blaze. But that is most definitely not the case with San Diego Brewing Co., a Mission Valley brewpub that’s been firing on all cylinders for more than three decades. That success is due, first and foremost, to the people that run the stalwart suds spot, many of which have been with the business for well a decade or more. Today, we’re proud to feature four such lively, loyal front-of-house staffers as we kick off the 2026 edition of our annual Praising the Bar feature.

Marianne Spiller
Manager, Bartender & Head Trainer

Where did you grow up?  
We moved here when I was five. My dad retired from the Navy but still worked for the military. I grew up in Mira Mesa…shout-out to the Mecca!

When and how did you get into craft beer – was there an a-ha moment – and did it happen before or after you started working in the industry?  
I started working at Callahan’s Pub & Brewery in Mira Mesa in 2001. I was still finishing up at SDSU and had no idea I would end up in the industry for so long! Being there introduced me to craft beer and after a while I found that I really like a nice IPA. When former San Diego Brewing Co. (SDBC) owners Scott and Lee decided to close Callahan’s, they offered me a spot here in 2017. 

Have you worked for other breweries, and if so, which ones and in what capacity?  
I lived in North County for a while and had a little serving stint at Stone Brewing. I was still at Callahan’s but thought I’d try something closer to home. At the end of the day, I was making what I was paying in daycare, so I got more shifts at Calli’s and dealt with the commute. 

What do you love most about your job?  
My coworkers and customers. I also love that every day is different. You never know how it’s gonna go or who’s gonna walk through the door. A party of 25 can walk in or I’m cutting someone off at 1 p.m. Every day is a mystery. 

Truth time, what is the part of your job that you like the least?  
Probably when I have to change TVs and people freak out and yell at me. Excuse me, sir, I will embarrass you in front of your friends. Calm down…

What accomplishments are you most proud of from your time in the craft-beer industry?  
I’m proud of being with the company for so long! I’m sort of the mom around here and have developed a lot of relationships over the years. I can usually tell if someone is having a rough day, and I always offer an ear and/or advice. I try not to give unsolicited advice, but sometimes…girl, dump that guy!

What do you love most about the company you work for?  
We have fun while we’re working! We truly have awesome regulars and I love when people are genuinely happy to be here. 

What is your favorite beer that your brewery produces?  
My go-to beer would be San Diego Double IPA, but my favorite is actually our OMG Seltzer. It’s so tasty and refreshing. Don’t judge, but I love it with a full glass of ice! 

What are some of your favorite San Diego craft beers, in general?  
Good old Pizza Port Mongo double IPA for sure. I’ll always taste new beers when we get them in and I love when I try something and know exactly which customers will like it. 

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 recently checked out Sunny Grove Brewing and really enjoyed their Hammerhead IPA. I really don’t get out much, but I usually direct people to North Park to check out that scene. 

Who are some of your favorite regulars and why?  
Ahh! There are so many! If you bring treats, good conversation and an awesome attitude, you’re good in my book!

Everybody has funny work stories. Would you mind sharing one with us?  
Probably when I found out that a couple that had been coming in for a while thought that my coworker Doug and I owned the place and that Becca was our daughter. I’ve known Doug for 30 or so years and he dated my sister back in the day, so it really cracked me up! On top of that, Becca grew up across the street from Doug, so yeah, we’re all oddly connected…but not like that.

What music genre and artists are playing in the tasting room when you’re in control?  
I let the kids put on what they want. I like anything I can sing to and I don’t like soft coffee-shop music. 

What do you consider cornerstones when it comes to customer service, particularly at a brewery tasting room?  
Being friendly and welcoming to everyone. Building a rapport with people and remembering them when they come back. People really are astonished when you remember what they ordered a month ago.

What advice would you give to customers looking to have the best possible experience when visiting a brewery taproom?  
Come in with an open mind, ask questions and try something new! Talk to your bartender about what you normally like and we’ll find something together. 

What are your career aspirations either in or beyond the craft-beer industry?  
OMG, I have no clue! I’m 53 and sometimes I feel like I’m aging out. I just have to live in the present, otherwise I stress myself out. 

What are some of your favorite beer events, whether at your brewery or elsewhere?  
We’ve had a couple of (SDBC co-owner) Tyson’s beer dinners here and that was really fun! I was working, but it was nice to do something different than the usual service for a night. 

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?  
I work all weekend, so Mondays are my total chill day. I like to sleep in, maybe have a gummy and get caught up on my crap Bravo shows. My other days off are a mix of home admin – groceries, cleaning up, laundry – and if my son is going to be home I’ll make dinner. If my hubs isn’t away at work, we’ll hang out and go do something. I really enjoy having my own time to recharge my social battery!

Who do you think you are? 
I’m a mom and a wife and love my life!

Christian Garcia
Bar Manager

Where did you grow up?
Medieval Times Buena Park.

What brought you to San Diego?
A bleeding heart full of love.

When and how did you get into craft beer – was there an a-ha moment – and did it happen before or after you started working in the industry?
I walked past a neat little aircraft hangar in the Port of Los Angeles while walking my dog in the adjacent park on a beautiful calm evening one night. I had never seen so many string lights in one place. I immediately called and asked what exactly they were doing and how I could be a part of it. I then quickly met and made friends with some of the coolest industry people ever at Brouwerij West.

Have you worked for other breweries, and if so, which ones and in what capacity?
I was a busser and event bartender at Brouwerij West. I also had the lovely opportunity to throw myself at every task Green Cheek Beer Co. had to offer that didn’t involve brewing the actual beer. I was a lead, festival guy, e-commerce guy, keg-washing guy, beertending guy, draft tech guy and all-around cool-guy guy.

What do you love most about your job?
People will see this question and say something lame like ,”It’s the people.” And it is, but the people run much deeper than that. It;s your distributors. It’s your malt guys sending something to your brewers you can spank when you walk by. It’s the inside jokes you have no reason having with coworkers you might never see again if they get their shit together and go to college or move on. It’s the customers that throw money at you for a brief moment to rent a chair with you knowing damn well they could be sitting at home with a beer for a fraction of the price.

Truth time, what is the part of your job that you like the least?
The yearning to house an entire family-sized pizza by myself, but the health concerns that entails.

What accomplishments are you most proud of from your time in the craft-beer industry?
I look at anyone and everyone I have sprinkled my unnecessary beer knowledge onto or made smile as a small badge of honor, and feel that I am covered from head-to-toe in those badges hundreds of times over.

What do you love most about the company you work for?
The different love that each and everyone has for this place, especially the owners. It fills my heart with so much peace knowing that there are so many ways to love one place. From the interactions with people to our quality of beer and the fun we can have with our brand as well as our delicious food, what could you not love?

What is your favorite beer that your brewery produces?
My Margaritas, of course, followed by the San Diego IPA in the summer, the Amber in the autumn and anything our head brewer Chris Hotz hands me on a Monday.

What are some of your favorite San Diego craft beers, in general?
North Park Beer Co.’s (NPBC’s) NP Helles lager brings a tear to my face annually. I will shove my face into a bowl of fresh Swami’s IPA from Pizza Port just to feel something delicious and consistent, and Barley & Sword Brewing had a Czech Pilsner that knocked my socks off through my shoes.

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?
That’s treason…but go visit my friends at Pizza Port.

Who are some of your favorite regulars and why?
I refuse to pick a favorite because I am vicariously living through all of them and their seemingly endless amount of expendable income. 

Everybody has funny work stories. Would you mind sharing one with us?
One time when I was a busser at Brouwerij West I was informed that there had been an accident in the restroom, one that happened to the left of the toilet instead of being inside. It’s funny how accidents can be grand successes within a foot of failure. A coworker went into the bathroom and came out gagging. I looked up with a sparkle in my eye and seasonal allergies in my hand. With a nose so stuffed my eyes were dripping, I volunteered. I also gagged as I handled that which is crazy in a way that you could be blinded with sunglasses on. The owner gave me two bottles of Dog Ate My Homework saison as a thank-you, and I will always remember that incredibly gross and very nice trade off.

What music genre and artists are playing in the tasting room when you’re in control?
As we all know, Tame Impala is the backbone of brewery-vibing. That being said, Pharcyde, Souls of Mischief, Black Sheep, A Tribe Called Quest, Talib Kweli and J5 are in my main rotation. However, when I need to meditate during work, Outkast, Lil Wayne, T-Pain, Mike Jones, Nelly and others are on my “Young 2000s Bangers” list that really speak to my soul.

What do you consider cornerstones when it comes to customer service, particularly at a brewery?
Genuine unadulterated care for others. I don’t care if you’re a little stinky man who comes into my brewery or the richest man in the world…I am going to look you right in your soul and ask you if it’s a beer or a seltzer that will make your day better. And then I’m going to tell you about how our chicken wings have kept me alive for a year-and-a-half. Every time. 

What advice would you give to customers looking to have the best possible experience when visiting a brewery taproom?
Don’t do the flight. That’s not because I hate pouring flights. I love four tiny beers. It’s the level of commitment that you have with something that you might think you’d enjoy that you have to see through. There is something visceral about not liking something you think you’d like and then finding something you do enjoy and feeling like you earned it. There are some beers in my time that I did not enjoy on the first sip, which warmed up and got better – or I grew up and realized that I was making a good choice by drinking them.

What are your career aspirations either in or beyond the craft-beer industry?
I’d cherish my own spot. I want to create a community and hold everyone that come through the doors in my figurative arms, put them on a fun little pedestal and pull them out of any weird little day they are having between work and home. 

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?
I text my friends with plans that may or may not go through and spend time with my family just enjoying even the most mundane moments with them. 

Who do you think you are? 
Ephemeral. Happy to be here and do what I can. 

Rebecca Hentz
Bartender & Server

Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in San Diego, and I honestly have very little intent of ever leaving. It’s the best city everrrrr.

When and how did you get into craft beer – was there an a-ha moment – and did it happen before or after you started working in the industry?
I was never much of a beer-drinker until working for SDBC. This brewery has definitely taught me everything I know about beer. I remember my first week working here. I was not drinking for Lent, but it’s part of the job to try all the beers in your first few training shifts in order to get familiar with them. So, there I am, telling my new coworkers that I’m not drinking right now. That’s not a great way to make friends with a bunch of new people in the industry. Needless to say, Lent ended that day. Ha!

Have you worked for other breweries, and if so, which ones and in what capacity?
Before SDBC I worked at their sister company, Callahan’s Pub & Brewery for a mere seven months before they closed their doors. This was my first serving job in general, but I grew up going to Callahan’s since I was a young girl. I remember attending “Brunch with Santa” during the holidays. My older sister also worked there for around 10 years, during which I bugged her many times to get me a job because I was eager to get into the industry. I always thought I’d thrive in it. Now look at me in an article talking about my experience!

What do you love most about your job?
I really value all the friendships I’ve built over the years. Whether it’s with customers or my coworkers, these are people who were strangers at some point but have become people I consider family. In fact, I was a bridesmaid recently for one of my best friends that I met through working at SDBC. 

Truth time, what is the part of your job that you like the least?
I wish our company was able to have the space I know it deserves. As phenomenal of a job the new ownership has done with the remodel and refresh, I know we have the following and capability of being huge. We unfortunately just don’t have the physical space to expand and flourish to our full potential…yet.

What accomplishments are you most proud of from your time in the craft-beer industry?
I’m really proud of how much knowledge I’ve acquired for San Diego beers and breweries since working for SDBC. Also, working here the last 10 years, it’s been really amazing to witness the industry’s many stages of growth and development. 

What do you love most about the company you work for?
I have seen this company through old ownership, a pandemic, new ownership and a total revamp. While there has been a lot of change over the years, SDBC has managed to withstand it all and come out even better than before. The loyalty from the many regulars speaks volumes as does the group of employees who stuck around through it all. This company has always been a neighborhood staple to many, but it has now developed into a big fish in the big pond of San Diego breweries. I am very proud of all the hard work from the staff and owners who got it to where it is now. 

What is your favorite beer that your brewery produces? 
It’s between our San Diego IPA and our Beat LA Mexican lager. I also love that we are venturing out to make hard seltzers. Normally I am not a huge fan of seltzers, but the OMG and Tangelo seltzers that we make are dangerously good; super flavorful and decently high in ABV (alcohol-by-volume) when compared to average seltzers on store shelves.

What are some of your favorite San Diego craft beers, in general?
Harland Brewing has a delicious Japanese Lager. We served it many years ago for a small time and I remember how popular it was. We still get asked about when we’ll have it back. 

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 love Harland in South Park and Eppig Brewing down by the water in Point Loma. Harland has great refreshing beers and also great coffee and food choices. And you just can’t beat the views and San Diego vibes at Eppig’s Waterfront Biergarten.

Who are some of your favorite regulars and why?
I don’t want to drop names because I’m sure I’ll unintentionally leave some people out, but I will say that when I walk in on a busy Friday night there are very few people I am not greeting with a hug and brief conversation. I have witnessed families grow from nothing to babysitting their children, doing makeup for their special events, being invited to family holidays and many more special moments. I feel very fortunate that this company is built on so many incredible regulars. In fact, our owners are a combination of previous employees and regular customers who collaborated to later buy and revamp SDBC into what it is now!

Everybody has funny work stories. Would you mind sharing one with us?
There may or may not have been a time where a large group of staff and owner (allegedly) got on top of the bar after hours and danced to “Toxic” by Britney Spears. But in a court of law, I will deny such a story.

What music genre and artists are playing in the tasting room when you’re in control?
I love when I get to hop on Aux. I’ll play a combo of 2000s hip-hop, set a T-Pain-type vibe or an upbeat and summery Calvin Harris vibe. I really try to sprinkle in songs from an array of genres to appeal to everyone we have in the restaurant. Nothing gets me more hyped when you see the vibes hittin’ and people singing along to all the songs I’ve cued up. 

What do you consider cornerstones when it comes to customer service, particularly at a brewery tasting room?
Remembering people’s names is one of my biggest tips. My boss, Doug, taught me this and it honestly changes the game. As simple and obvious as that is, people really appreciate it when you can greet them by name, and it obviously helps build a relationship and rapport with them. That, in turn, gives them that elevated customer experience.

What advice would you give to customers looking to have the best possible experience when visiting a brewery taproom?
Don’t be afraid to ask for a taste of the few beers you’re considering ordering! Or better yet, ask for recommendations on what the crowd is liking these days.

What are your career aspirations either in or beyond the craft-beer industry?
I work multiple jobs and always have had my hand in a few different titles. Between being a licensed esthetician and working with kids, it keeps my days interesting and makes it harder to get burnt out. As of now, I do makeup for weddings and special events, and have always been super passionate about it. I dream of being Rihanna’s makeup artist. And if she happens to be a big beer girl (like me) and is reading this, give my people a call. If that doesn’t work out, she should also know I have years of childcare experience and would be happy to be her nanny. 

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?
I love being out in the sun with my friends, at the beach or the pool, hiking or any of the fun bars with a dance floor. I also enjoy traveling the world with my sister Cloe.

Who do you think you are?
That B*tch

Sophia Osuna
Bartender

Where did you grow up?
I was born in El Centro, California, but moved to San Diego when I was really young. My mom got a better job opportunity working for the Department of Defense here, and she felt San Diego would give us more opportunities growing up, so we made the move. I’ve pretty much been here ever since and San Diego is home.

When and how did you get into craft beer – was there an a-ha moment – and did it happen before or after you started working in the industry?
Once I turned 21 and started beertending, I was introduced to all the different styles we brew and started learning what actually goes into each beer. Before that, beer was just beer to me. Working here opened up a whole new world and made me appreciate the craft behind it.

What do you love most about your job?
I love interacting with customers, especially meeting people who are coming in for the first time and building relationships with them. It’s also really cool when someone comes in as a new customer and eventually becomes one of your regulars. You get to meet so many different people behind the bar, and it keeps every shift interesting.

Truth time, what is the part of your job that you like the least?
The glassware, hands down. Loading up the racks, running them through the dishwasher, lifting them out, putting all the glasses away, then doing it all over again. Somehow there is always another rack waiting for you. Especially at the end of the night when you think you’re finally done and then magically find one more.

What accomplishments are you most proud of from your time in the craft-beer industry?
I’m really proud of how much knowledge I’ve gained over the years. When I first started, I didn’t know nearly as much about beer styles, flavor profiles, brewing or the craft-beer industry, in general. Now I’m able to talk customers through our beers, explain the differences between styles and recommend something based on what they normally enjoy. There’s always more to learn with craft beer, which is part of what makes it fun.

What do you love most about the company you work for?
I love that SDBC is such a local staple. There’s something really cool about working for a neighborhood brewery that has been part of the San Diego craft-beer community for so long. 

What is your favorite beer that your brewery produces? 
Definitely our San Diego Hazy IPA. 

What are some of your favorite San Diego craft beers, in general?
Clearly, I have a type because I keep coming back to hazies. I love Harland’s Hazy IPA and Art Is Hard from NPBC is another one of my favorites.

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?
NPBC is definitely one of my go-tos. I love that they have multiple locations around San Diego, each with its own vibe and different food options, whether it’s pizza, burgers, or their Tuesday Suppers. Between North Park, Bankers Hill and PB, there’s always somewhere to go depending on what I’m in the mood for.

Who are some of your favorite regulars and why?
First and foremost, Nacho. Nacho is technically Kip’s dog, but I consider him one of our regular customers. Honestly, he might be our best-behaved one. He’s cute, quiet and never complains about the service. But I’ve also gotten to know so many great regulars over the years. Dave and Donna, Bob and Andy, and so many others are people I genuinely enjoy seeing and catching up with. That’s one of the best parts of working somewhere with such a strong group of regulars – they really become part of your work family.

What music genre and artists are playing in the tasting room when you’re in control?
It really depends on the day and the vibe, but I usually like something upbeat. A mix of hip-hop, throwbacks and newer music – basically anything that keeps the energy up and makes the shift go by a little faster.

What do you consider cornerstones when it comes to customer service, particularly at a brewery tasting room?
I think being welcoming and actually paying attention to what the customer is looking for is huge. We have around 50 taps, which can be a little overwhelming if you’re walking in for the first time. Not everyone knows exactly what style they want, and they shouldn’t have to. I like asking what they normally drink, figuring out what flavors they like and helping point them in the right direction. At the end of the day, you want people to feel comfortable asking questions and, most importantly, want to come back.

What are your career aspirations either in or beyond the craft-beer industry?
Right now, I’m enjoying where I’m at and figuring out what’s next. I’ve also started exploring mobile bartending on the side, which has been a fun way to take the bartending and customer-service skills I’ve learned and do something of my own with them. Long term, I’m open to seeing where that takes me. Ideally, whatever I’m doing still leaves me enough time to be somewhere near a beach.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?
Anything that gets me outside. I love going to the beach or pool, hanging out with my dogs, going on walks with my sisters, exploring different parts of San Diego and checking out local happy hours. And while I clearly appreciate a good hazy, I’m also a Margarita girl. Give me some sunshine, my dogs, and a good Margarita and I’m pretty content.

Who do you think you are?
A San Diego girl who somehow went from knowing very little about craft beer to being able to talk about hazy IPAs for way longer than anyone asked.

San Diego Brewing Co. is located at 10450 Friars Road in Mission Valley