George Thornton refers to his business as his “pride and joy”, and it has provided plenty of both for him since he opened brewing-supply store The Homebrewer along the North Park stretch of El Cajon Boulevard in 2012. Instantly appreciated as a standout retailer in the underserved metro area, the shop was expanded in 2014 to include an on-site fermentation operation and had its name changed to Home Brewing Co. to reflect its new capabilities.
Humble in size but big on heart, it’s from this craft-driven enclave that Thornton, his staff and local homebrewers brewed up creative and often esoteric styles the likes of which weren’t viable for larger commercial brewing companies to produce. Adherence to the homebrewing spirit kept Home Brewing Co. the darling of that locally sizeable sect, and made for a loyal following plus plenty of great memories, which Thornton says he will cherish as he prepares to step away from Home Brewing Co. After a great deal of thought—and some admitted vacillation—Thornton has decided to put his dual business interest up for sale.
“I love our place and the community that it has allowed me to be a part of, but it’s time for me to look for other ways to play a role in the community at-large,” says Thornton. “After lots and lots of soul searching, I feel like the right thing to do is to pass it on to someone that can help it grow and thrive into the next 10 years and beyond.”
Over the past decade, the business has been named the best homebrew store in San Diego numerous times, and in 2018 it became the first-ever recipient of the American Homebrewers Association’s Homebrew Store of the Year Award. Home Brewing Co. has also earned a variety of awards for its beers in national and regional competitions.
The business comes in at 1,900 square feet, which is split between a 950-square-foot store transitioning to a nanobrewery with a tasting room that was expanded in 2018 to include a sidewalk patio accessible through roll-up doors. Last year, Thornton downsized his system from a seven-barrel brewhouse to a one-barrel setup which will be included in the sale.
“The business has grown far beyond my original plans. It has taught me endless lessons about life, work, leadership and entrepreneurship,” said Thornton in a statement posted to Home Brewing Co.’s social-media accounts. “After 10 years, I am looking forward to pursuing new challenges in life.”
But before moving on to realizing new aspirations, his mission is to find the right individual to take over Home Brewing Co.; someone who will honor its traditions and role within the North Park and greater San Diego beer community while also taking it to the next level, whatever that may be. Thornton says he will do what it takes to make for a seamless transition and help the business’ new owner be successful once it’s in their hands.
Part of that will entail sharing his methods for staying afloat during the pandemic. Shifting to a nanobrewery model and canning some of the company’s beers were helpful steps, but Thornton says dedicated, caring customers and the “amazing” craft-beer community were every bit as responsible for the business’ survival. It’s a key reason he’s been so proud to be part of that community and wants whoever takes Home Brewing Co. over to be as intent on giving back to it.
“I was able to usher the business through the pandemic in pretty good shape, and I’m excited to see where it can go from here,” says Thornton. “I just don’t see myself at the helm anymore, so the best thing is to find a new steward, owner and caretaker to look after my pride and joy. I’m excited to see what comes next.”
Interested parties are invited to email Thornton directly.
The Homebrewer and Home Brewing Co. are located at 2911 El Cajon Boulevard in North Park