The craft beer industry is, by nature, an against-the-grain, alternative scene made up of people largely doing things their own way. That can certainly be said for Eric Bridges and Terry Kellar, the co-owners of El Cid Brewing, a business that debuted in 2022 in the North Park venue that had previously housed combo amateur-brewing supply store and beermaking op, The Homebrewer and Home Brewing Co.
Rather than develop a brand identity tied into beer, pop culture, San Diego or their immediate neighborhood, the duo instead opted to celebrate the niche subculture of U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officers. It meant a great deal to Bridges, who is a member of that community, as well as the CPOs that felt El Cid’s heart and sincerity when visiting its tasting room. But the regulars they amassed – active-duty, retired and unaffiliated civilians altogether – were unable to provide enough support to make the business profitable, especially in a part of town densely populated, not only with other breweries, but also scores of bars and restaurants, all competing for the same dollars within a small geographic footprint. But it wasn’t always that way.
El Cid’s first two years in business were encouraging, enough that Bridges and Kellar launched a crowdfunding campaign in July 2024, offering beer-club subscriptions in exchange for up-front capital in order to take over the recently vacated space next door to their business, with a goal of expanding their product line to include other alcoholic beverages. When that effort fell short along with profit and growth expectations, they considered a rebrand, hoping to appeal to a wider audience and attract enough clientele to sustain the business. In the end, that plan was abandoned. The duo instead decided to shutter El Cid, making that announcement in early June, and offering their space up to interested parties in the process.
El Cid’s last day of operation was to be June 14, but later, Bridges and Kellar decided to keep their brewery and tasting room open. In doing so, they painted the walls black and removed all indicators of the venue’s naval motif. They also changed the company’s name to der Achmë Secret Brewhaus, running it as a pseudo-speakeasy. None of the above was widely communicated to the general public. Thus, few knew Bridges and Kellar were still plugging away as they searched for someone to take over their lease. After three months operating in this manner, the duo today announced that they will shut down their business for good after one final service on Sunday, September 28.
The duo will continue shopping the unit, with hopes of transferring their lease to a qualified individual. The space comes in at 2,000 square feet and the lease will carry through for three-and-a-half years. It also includes a Type 23 Small Beer Manufacturing license. Interested parties may reach out to Bridges and Kellar online.
Der Achmë Secret Brewhaus is located at 2911 El Cajon Boulevard in North Park