In July 2022, a new beverage collective debuted off State Route 78 in Vista. Dubbed CoLab Public House, it brought four beverage-makers and a restaurant together under one roof in a two-story, 12,500-square-foot venue capable of seating hundreds of guests at a time. While the concept of multiple companies sharing space in a master structure was not new to San Diego County, this was the first local example of tenant businesses sharing the same brewing apparatus.
When shopping the concept prior to construction, CoLab’s developers found it somewhat challenging to sign on breweries. Despite the benefits of banding together, sharing expenses and being able to reach their co-tenants’ fan bases, the unfamiliarity of the model bred skepticism. But eventually, a trio of breweries – Barrel & Stave Brewing, Breakwater Brewing and Laguna Beer Co. – joined Propaganda Wine Co. and culinary tenant Baby’s Badass Burgers to form CoLab’s initial lineup.
Over the past three years, two of those operations (Laguna Beer and Baby’s) have bowed out, making room for 117° West Spirits and Mom’s Pizza & Pasta. Now, another original tenant, Barrel & Stave, is preparing to move out, announcing that the business’ last day of operation at the CoLab facility will be Sunday, June 15.
“CoLab is a very busy location, and management has done a great job of marketing the space and providing a good variety of options for customers to choose from, plus some type of entertainment just about every night of the week,” says Barrel & Stave owner Chris White (not to be confused with the White Labs founder of the same name). “With four beverage vendors, everyone shares customers, which affects tasting room revenues. Distribution is needed to supplement the operating expenses. There is limited space for fermenters at the facility. We have five 20-barrel tanks, which is a tight fit. We’re selling all of the beer that we make and have maxed out our capacity on distribution and ability to grow.”
Prior to adding a commercial brewing arm, Barrel & Stave launched as a taproom in Fullerton. White shares that location with chicken restaurant, Jaxson’s, but is the only on-site adult-beverage option. A type 42 license allows Barrel & Stave to also carry guest beers and wines. A lack of in-house competition makes for a profitable business. And while it has only been in operation for the past seven months, Barrel & Stave’s taproom in Temecula works for the same reasons.
Barrel & Stave is healthy as a brand, but being headquartered at the CoLab facility simply doesn’t pencil out, leading to White’s reluctant decision to move on. In doing so, he says this is not a farewell, as he is actively searching for another space in San Diego County where he and Director of Brewery Operations Chris Banker can set up brewing operations.
“We would be open to locations in North County coastal cities south of Oceanside. San Marcos is also an option,” says White, who invites individuals with available space to reach out to him via email. “I feel Oceanside and Vista are a bit saturated. We’re looking for a space that can allow us to brew a maximum of 300 barrels per month, with an existing tasting room.”
From Thursday, June 12 to Sunday, June 15, Barrel & Stave will offer $5 pints of beer, $10 crowlers and 25% off four-packs at its CoLab location.
Barrel & Stave Brewing is located inside CoLab Public House at 2129 Industrial Court, Suite B in Vista