Praising the Bar: Duck Foot Brewing

Duck Foot Brewing is a colorful operation that, not surprisingly, attracts similarly colorful people. That extends beyond the clientele to the individuals pouring their beers. Whether one visits the 10-year-old company’s Miramar headquarters or its satellite taproom in Leucadia, outgoing, friendly service can be found on tap along with quality ales and lagers, all of which the beertenders will be more than happy to tell you all about. As part of our Praising the Bar series, it’s our pleasure to introduce you to standouts delivering quality customer experiences at both locations.

Kalani Brasington
Tasting Room Manager, Miramar Taproom

Where did you grow up?
I grew up here in San Diego!

When and how did you get into craft beer – was there an a-ha moment – and did it happen before or after you started working in the industry? 
I didn’t fall in love with craft beer until I worked at my first brewery, Pizza Port. I had the most incredible bar manager who expressed passion unlike anyone I had ever met. Honestly, I don’t think anyone will ever come anywhere close. His name was Charlie Quirmbach. He set time aside to educate and train me outside of working hours and gave everything to help his staff grow. I owe all my success in this industry to him.

Have you worked for other breweries, and if so, which ones and in what capacity?
I was the bar manager for Pizza Port Solana Beach and worked there for about eight years. I also occasionally help out Stone Brewing’s Kettner Tap Room. They are some of the most friendly, intelligent and loving people I’ve ever met.

What do you love most about your job?
I have had the privilege of meeting and working with some of the coolest people. The nicest being pro skaters Buckey Lasek and Chris Cole to legendary Padres Trevor Hoffman and Mark Loretta. 

Truth time, what is the part of your job that you like the least? 
No one likes cleaning beer lines or dusting rafters in the early hours, but it needs to get done!

What accomplishments are you most proud of from your time in the craft-beer industry? 
I am so proud of my staff and every bartender I have ever had the privilege of hiring and training. My accomplishments are embedded in their success. 

What do you love most about the company you work for? 
The culture our owners Brett Goldstock and Matt DelVecchio have created is something truly remarkable, and that is what I love most. We host the largest free comedy show in San Diego and have live entertainment several times a month. Some of the most memorable events are emo nights, costume contests, car shows and jazz nights.

What is your favorite beer that your brewery produces? 
Can I pick two? I’m picking two…ha! Platypug Belgian amber and Crossing Wizard West Coast IPA. Rather than writing a paragraph on why these are some of the best beers in the country, I encourage you to come down and try them with our head brewer, Matt Akin, and I at our next beer education class! We host them on the third Thursday of every month.

What are some of your favorite San Diego craft beers, in general? 
Jetty IPA by Pizza Port Ocean Beach, Libertad Loma Mexican lager by Stone Brewing, 2AM Bike Ride coffee stout by Fall Brewing, Blueberry Blonde by New English Brewing and Treevana IPA by Burgeon Beer Co.

What are some local brewery venues other than your own that you like to refer customers to or patronize when you’re off the clock?
I always shout out Pure Project Brewing since they have great beer, cool staff and are right next door! I also recommend Pizza Port for the great grub and grog. I would love to do a collaboration with them in the future.

Who are some of your favorite regulars and why? 
This question is like showing my MySpace top five, and it’s going to get me in trouble. I have to shout out our regular and friend, Phillip Gott. He’s a joy to be around and has the best taste in music. The tasting room wouldn’t be the same without him. 

What music genre and artists are playing in the tasting room when you’re in control? 
I get made fun of for this, but when I’m on it’s always Tool, Primus and Incubus!

What do you consider cornerstones when it comes to customer service, particularly at a brewery tasting room? 
Being brutally authentic and remembering names. Remembering someone’s name and their last order opens a few doors for conversation. They know you care enough to remember them and you can engage with them at a more comfortable level. Being yourself also sets you apart from the typical script or fake tone that most patrons are trying to avoid. It’s a tasting room, not a dive bar.

What advice would you give to customers looking to have the best possible experience when visiting a brewery taproom? 
Please ask what we’re stoked on and tell us your favorite styles! We both get to break the ice and get down on a level deeper than a basic transaction. 

What are your career aspirations either in or beyond the craft-beer industry? 
I would love to see Duck Foot grow. I want us to expand and prosper in the healthiest way, and I want to lead our team to victory. 

What are some of your favorite beer events, whether at your brewery or elsewhere? 
Our comedy night at Duck Foot is remarkable. There isn’t another beer event like it here in San Diego. Pizza Port Carlsbad’s Strong Ale Fest is a really fun event, too!

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work? 
I play bass in a band called Angler, and I love going to the zoo with my wonderful wife Amanda. We also have a sweet little chinchilla named Chili.

Who do you think you are (a purposely broad question requiring a succinct 10-words-or-less answer)? 
Someone who waters the grass where it’s needed. 

Kailea Pankopf
Lead Bartender, Leucadia Taproom

Where did you grow up?
Born and raised in Encinitas! Leucadia has always been home to me.

When and how did you get into craft beer – was there an a-ha moment – and did it happen before or after you started working in the industry?
I’ve always enjoyed beer, but I really dove into craft beer after I started working at Duck Foot. Being surrounded by passionate people and creative brewing definitely increased my interest.

Have you worked for other breweries, and if so, which ones and in what capacity?
Duck Foot is the first brewery where I’ve worked. Before that, I worked two doors down at a coffee shop. When I heard Duck Foot was opening, I jumped at the chance to be part of something special in the neighborhood.

What do you love most about your job?
The community, hands down. Between the regulars, my coworkers and the owners, Duck Foot feels like a second home. It’s a place where different personalities come together and make an awesome community. That’s pretty rare.

Truth time, what is the part of your job that you like the least?
Trying to change the TVs to some obscure sporting event during a rush. 

What accomplishments are you most proud of from your time in the craft-beer industry?
Taking on a leadership role for a team that’s collaborative, fun and genuinely supportive. I’ve loved helping keep the energy of the tasting room strong.

What do you love most about the company you work for?
The way they genuinely care about the staff. There’s strong communication, room for feedback and a sense that we’re all in it together.

What is your favorite beer that your brewery produces?
I Love a Clean IPA is my favorite at the moment, but my all-time favorite seasonal beer is the Imperial Purple. I love a tart, sour beer.

What are some of your favorite San Diego craft beers, in general?
Duck Foot is my go-to, but I’ve got a soft spot for Pure Project and Viewpoint Brewing, as well. Great vibes and beer.

What are some local brewery venues other than your own that you like to refer customers to or patronize when you’re off the clock?
Culture Brewing in Solana Beach has such a relaxed vibe, and I love the atmosphere at Viewpoint in Del Mar.

Who are some of your favorite regulars and why?
All of them. Our regulars are the heart of Duck Foot. They’re warm, funny, supportive and they show up for the space – and each other. I couldn’t pick just one, but you all know who you are.

Everybody has funny work stories. Would you mind sharing one with us?
Every day at Duck Foot could be a funny work story. We see all kinds of characters walk through the door, and there’s always something that has us laughing with our coworkers or regulars. It’s part of what makes working here so much fun. You never know what’s gonna happen next.

What music genre and artists are playing in the tasting room when you’re in control?
Rolling Stones Radio, The Cure Radio and Sugar Ray Radio, especially on a sunny Sunday. 

What do you consider cornerstones when it comes to customer service, particularly at a brewery tasting room?
Being present, genuine and adaptable. Whether someone wants to chat about their day or just quietly enjoy a beer, meeting them where they’re at makes all the difference.

What advice would you give to customers looking to have the best possible experience when visiting a brewery taproom?
If you’re looking for energy and a packed house, hit us up on Wednesday for bingo or Thursday for trivia. If you want a mellow vibe and time to explore beers, swing by on a Sunday afternoon.

What are your career aspirations either in or beyond the craft-beer industry?
I’m graduating from college this December! I’d love to do something that helps people and lets me work closely with a team, but I’m still figuring out exactly what that looks like.

What are some of your favorite beer events, whether at your brewery or elsewhere?
Trivia and bingo are my absolute favorite. Alex and Felipe host trivia with so much personality, and our bingo host, Adam, has a cult following and brings the best energy. 

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?
I’m at the beach as often as I can be, especially in the summer. I also love cooking, painting and reading whenever I get the chance.

Who do you think you are (a purposely broad question requiring a succinct 10-words-or-less answer)?
A people person who loves community.

Duck Foot Brewing is located at 8920 Kenamar Drive in Miramar, and its Leucadia taproom is located at 978 North Coast Highway 101 in Encinitas