For well over a year now, the lease-to-brew suites at North Park’s CRAFT by Brewery Igniter facility has boasted the most compelling array of beers of its nine-year lifespan. Operated by a trio of brewing companies that have captured consumer interest behind portfolios that are decidedly different, the shared site is regularly packed with enthusiasts seeking the ever-rotating ales and lagers of Seek Beer Co., historic styles of Barley & Sword Brewing, and the ultra-modern offerings of GOAL. Brewing. The current lineup represents a fulfillment of the promise developer H.G. Fenton envisioned when constructing the facility, which makes the news that GOAL. will be moving out disheartening for both their regulars and landlord.
“Operating the brewery for the past 19 months exposed some wants and needs that the location did not provide,” says GOAL. owner Jayson Pizarro. “It was great to be part of the H.G. Fenton Igniter program, but the space is the ‘igniter’, an incubator, and the intent is not to stay forever. We see proof of life and need a space to grow into that will allow us to stand alone and create a truly unique experience.”
Pizarro says the main thing he and co-founding partner and Head Brewer Derek Gallanosa need is more physical space, which will allow for greater production capacity. In addition to a larger tank cellar, they need warehouse space to house barrels for oak-aging beer.
Pizarro says they would like to remain in North Park since that’s where GOAL. started, but understands it’s unlikely they will find an industrially zoned location that fits the bill in that mostly residential neighborhood. So, they are open to potential opportunities, particularly those that will allow them to get back to business as quickly as possible. That includes teaming with an existing brewery to share space and bring value to their operation.
“We’re open to getting creative. We would bring a strong internationally recognized brand and following, which would help pull business into their existing space,” says Pizarro. “The brand is unique. Our product quality is top-tier, and Derek has done an amazing job continuously elevating our offering. As far as the GOAL. experience, we’re different and we stand on that. And the beer community loves our team.”
That includes members of GOAL’s members-only club, Shakas X Beer. Pizarro and Gallanosa value those early adopters and are taking steps to make sure they are taken care of despite the company’s upcoming address change.
“All of our members are a part of our community for the existence of the brand,” says Pizarro. “We will fulfill our commitment to them with regard to the membership package. We plan to produce and deliver three barrel-aged stouts to the community before the sunset at our Brewery Igniter suite, and even those that did not renew for 2024-25 still retain member perks.”
GOAL.’s last day of service at its Brewery Igniter suite will be Sunday, March 23. That day will be devoted to celebrating the team that launched and advanced the company, while Saturday, March 22 will be all about showing gratitude to Shakas and Beer.
GOAL. Brewing is located at the CRAFT by Brewery Igniter facility at 3052, Suite 101 El Cajon Boulevard in North Park