Over the past three years, a trio of craft-beer companies–Mike Hess Brewing, Novo Brazil Brewing and Pizza Port Brewing–have expanded, opening locations in the city of Imperial Beach. But long before those large operations identified and looked to test the potential of the county’s southwestern-most municipality, the family behind Coronado Brewing took a chance. In 2014, the Bay Park-based interest took over an 1,800-square-foot Seacoast Drive bar and restaurant, revamped it and opened it under their flag. Being both professionally and domestically based in the South Bay, co-owner Ron Chapman and his familial company colleagues, believed it was time someone brought craft-beer to a community they felt was vibrant and ready to embrace local ales and lagers.
“Ron and his whole family live just blocks from the restaurant. That personal connection to the community made IB more than just a business location; it became a part of the family’s daily life,” says Coronado Brewing Marketing Director Aidan Kennedy. “Beyond that, IB had a distinct charm, a growing and diverse population and close proximity to the beach. These factors aligned with our vision of creating a community-focused pub.”
Over the past decade, many have speculated that Imperial Beach was poised to blow up from a business perspective, particularly where hospitality venues are concerned. The city showed promising yet sporadic flashes over the years, but it wasn’t until Mike Hess’ sprawling two-story, kitchen-equipped tasting room went fully live in 2021 that brewing companies finally had a chance to see if Imperial Beach residents would truly embrace craft beer. Their numbers have been strong from day one, even with the addition of Novo Brazil’s brewpub at Bikeway Village (a space that was originally slated to house a Coronado Brewing brewpub) and the newest of Pizza Port’s five San Diego County brewpubs.
“Witnessing other breweries discover IB and set up shop has been both exciting and affirming. It’s a testament to the thriving craft-beer scene and the appeal of IB as a destination,” says Kennedy. “Having our contemporaries join us in the community has fostered a sense of camaraderie rather than competition. We’ve all contributed to making IB a hub for craft-beer lovers, and we’ve enjoyed collaborating and growing together.”
Like many growing areas that reach destination status, property values are on the rise in Imperial Beach, and according to Kennedy, leasing dynamics are shifting to be less advantageous for business owners in the area. Such market fluctuations have presented significant challenges to businesses, including Coronado Brewing, to the point where ownership has made the difficult decision not to renew their lease.
The company announced the news via various communication channels earlier this week, reaching out to locals and regulars ahead of the general public. In doing so, they assured frequenters of the venue that their Mug Club members’ privileges would be honored at Coronado’s brewpub on its namesake island as well as the tasting room at its Bay Park headquarters. It is estimated that the restaurant will remain open until sometime in December, at which point it will shut down for good.
“We want to say ‘thank you’ to our patrons, employees and partners who have been instrumental in our journey,” says Kennedy. “While we may be closing one chapter in IB, we look forward to continuing our journey in different ways and locations while cherishing the memories and community spirit we’ve built in IB.”
Coronado Brewing’s bar and restaurant is located at 875 Seacoast Drive in Imperial Beach