Praising the Bar: Hopnonymous Brewing

While the name Hopnonymous Brewing suggests this Kearny Mesa operation flies under the radar, its front-of-house staffers are well known for being fun, lively and welcoming. Regulars come back as much to interact with them as to partake of one of the most oft-rotating beer menus in the county. Those meaningful relationships are the backbone of this small yet impressive spot, which won the Best Customer Service Awards at the 2021 San Diego Beer News Awards. We’re proud to help you get to know these invested individuals – anonymity be darned – through our Praising the Bar series.

Cece Felix
Supervisor

Where did you grow up?
I’m a San Diego native, and grew up in Pacific Beach and Clairemont.

When and how did you get into craft beer?
I got into craft beer at the crisp age of 21 thanks to a good friend of mine that was no longer going to allow me to order Pacifico and Stella. I mean, who doesn’t love a Pacifico, though? And Stella came in a pretty glass. At the time, that’s all that mattered to me…ha! I remember meeting my friend at the High Dive in Bay Park for a few beers. Before I arrived she had ordered a pitcher of Sculpin IPA. I was a little hesitant at first, but after the first sip I remember thinking, “Hmm, I don’t love it, but I don’t hate it.” I proceeded to help her finish off the pitcher, then she introduced me to Racer 5 IPA. It was all uphill from there…I fell in love with West Coast IPAs and would only drink West Coast IPA. Thank you for showing me the way, Allison!

What do you love most about your job?
The customers that turned into regulars that turned into best friends.

Truth time, what is the part of your job that you like the least?
Setting up the outdoor patio on a hot summer day…ha!. Jokes aside, I would say when a customer walks in for a certain type of beer we don’t make and won’t give us a chance to show them the tasty things we do have. Just give me a minute of your time and I guarantee we will find you one – or maybe even two – that’ll blow your mind.

What accomplishments are you most proud of from your time in the craft-beer industry?
I am most proud of standing my ground in this industry. When I first started, it was a little intimidating with all the fellas, but I was confident in my work ethic and pushed a little harder, and now I am the oldest employee still standing out of all the first hires. Is it okay to say that women kick ass?

(Author’s Note: ABSOLUTELY!)

What do you love most about the company you work for?
I love the community we have built. I love that there is always someone willing to help out the girl or guy next to them. It’s so cheesy to say, but it really has turned into a little family. Everyone has each other’s back. Everyone is buying the new guy a beer. Everyone is more than willing to help each other out no matter the problem.

What is your favorite beer that your brewery produces?
Big Fundamental, a New Zealand-hopped West Coast IPA. Man, I just love the Nelson hops.

What are some of your favorite San Diego craft beers, in general?
Anything from Mcilhenney Brewing and Fall Brewing.

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?
Fall, Mcilhenney and Pizza Port

Who are some of your favorite regulars and why?
I have a long list of favorites, but two that stand out the most are my number-ones from day one. Dale (AKA: Mr. Boombastic, AKA: Mayor of Hopnonymous…IYKYK), this guy is loved by everyone, and I mean everyone. In the three years I’ve been at Hop, I have never seen this guy with a sad face. He is the most easygoing, loving, genuine, happiest soul I’ve ever met. He lights up the room with his presence and just so happens to have some of the best dance moves I’ve ever seen. Just put on some Shaggy and you’ll see what I’m talking about. Another amazing human I have grown very close to is Shelley. This woman is everything; a true gem. She recently moved away and broke all of our hearts, but we all still love and miss her dearly. If you happen to know these two, or have someone in your life that is like them, you should consider yourself very lucky. I know I do.

Everybody has funny work stories. Would you mind sharing one with us?
I have done a lot of silly things at Hop, but one I’ll never forget, especially when turning off the carb at the end of the night is my first time turning off the carb without supervision. I turned the wrong handle and got soaked with yummy beer. I mean soaked. I guess that was my initiation to the industry…ha!

What music genre and artists are playing in the tasting room when you’re in control?
I am all over the place. I will play anything from Manu Chao, Khruangbin, The Clash, CCR, Bob Marley, Sofi Tukker, English, Spanish, French, Portuguese…I love it all. It just depends on the vibe I want to put out for that day.

What do you consider cornerstones when it comes to customer service, particularly at a brewery tasting room?
For me, a welcoming atmosphere would be number one. Then I would say knowledge of everything that’s on tap, at least a few notes for people asking so we can then educate them on what it is we do. Everyone loves learning a little something about a beer or two. And most importantly, making sure everyone is having a good time, but a responsible time also.

What advice would you give to customers looking to have the best possible experience when visiting a brewery taproom?
Check out our vibe on our social media pages and maybe check out our website, too. This may or may not be the place for you. I want everyone to have the best experience possible, but I understand that maybe what we’re doing may not be for you…and that’s OK. Come with an open mind. Ask us questions about the beers, ask about who we are, what we’re about. Don’t be shy. We are very friendly and we love making new friends.

What are your career aspirations either in or beyond the craft-beer industry?
I would love to continue growing with the company. I would like to eventually get to a place where I don’t have to be behind the bar anymore and can be more-hands on in different areas, whether it be sales, full-on marketing or whatever position the boss-man would appoint me to.

What are some of your favorite beer events, whether at your brewery or elsewhere?
I love a good classic beer fest. You can’t go wrong with all the breweries you love getting together and bringing their best to share with everyone. It’s a fun way to try new things and discover new breweries.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?
I am a California beach girl. You can find me chillin’ solo or with my dog at the beach, at a yoga class, at the beach, reading a book, at the beach, just vibing by myself, at the beach, maybe with a spicy mango margarita. I am always at the beach…ha!

Who do you think you are (a purposely broad question requiring a succinct answer)? 
A confident individual who always chooses to stay positive and kind.

Jen Sullivan
Beertender

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in La Jolla and have lived in San Diego my whole life.

When and how did you get into craft beer?
I got into craft beer in my early twenties. My older cousin who I have always looked up to introduced me to sours at Toronado. From then on, beer was my adult beverage of choice. Visiting breweries has always been a favorite activity of mine. I enjoy trying new beers, the vibe and how relaxed I feel when I sit and enjoy a cold, delicious draft beer. 

What other beer employers and positions are on your résumé?
I had the privilege to work at Deft Brewing as a beertender. I really enjoy the European styles and Deft’s founder, Mo Nuspl, created a fantastic lineup that I thoroughly enjoyed. I became a regular customer, then a part of the staff. It was a great experience!

What do you love most about your job?
What I love most about my job is connecting with our customers and being part of a team. We have an amazing following at Hopnonymous. Our customers are so important to us. It makes me happy to see them enjoying themselves at our tasting room and having the same experience I like to have when I visit a brewery. 

Truth time, what is the part of your job that you like the least?
The part of my job I like the least is the occasional clean-up of certain gross bodily fluids. It doesn’t happen often, but it is part of the job. 

What accomplishments are you most proud of from your time in the craft-beer industry?
Positive impacts on the customers. It is very rewarding when a customer posts an excellent review and I know I helped them. Or when customers remember a beer I recommended, then come back excited to see me and catch up. Some of those customers have become lifelong friends. 

What do you love most about the company you work for?
The fun, upbeat and welcoming vibe we provide to the beer-drinking community. 

What is your favorite beer that your brewery produces?
My favorites are Two Amigos lime Mexican lager and The Dorsy Lion Belgian golden strong ale.

What are some of your favorite San Diego craft beers, in general?
Some of my favorites are Duck Foot Brewing’s Aviator Glasses Belgian blond ale, Deft’s Dawn of the Deft porter and Dr. Billheimer’s Magic Pilsner from Ketch Brewing.

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?
Local breweries I recommend and like to visit are Duck Foot, Pure Project Brewing, East Village Brewing, Deft, Societe Brewing, Ketch and Fall. 

Who are some of your favorite regulars and why?
Oh gosh! I love all of our regulars. If I had to choose, I’d say some of my favorite regulars are Dale, Shelley, Jen and Jesse, and Jalind and Darryl. They sit at the bar, they engage, they are huge supporters of Hop and they show genuine interest in our team.

Everybody has funny work stories. Would you mind sharing one with us?
Fun happens regularly. I can’t narrow down a specific story, but when Dale wears the hot-dog costume and starts dancing, it’s a good time! 

What music genre and artists are playing in the tasting room when you’re in control?
We play a lot of great music…and at a decent volume, too! When I can choose, it’s usually ‘90s hip-hop or fun-house music.

What do you consider cornerstones when it comes to customer service, particularly at a brewery tasting room?
I think important customer service starts from the moment patrons walk through the door. Greeting customers and continuing to make them feel welcome is a huge priority at Hopnonymous. Asking about their beer-style preferences is always good because newcomers can get overwhelmed by the wide beer variety we offer. Attention to detail and cleanliness is important, as well, but most of all smiling! It goes a long way and makes an impression, which is a reason customers choose to return!

What advice would you give to customers looking to have the best possible experience when visiting a brewery taproom?
The best advice is to ask questions. Don’t be shy! Get to know the beers. Sample a little and try new things. You might find that you enjoy certain styles that you never thought you would. 

What are your career aspirations either in or beyond the craft-beer industry?
I have a degree in kinesiology and would love to get more involved in that field one day. Beer distribution and beer-judging are both areas I have thought about, as well. 

What are some of your favorite beer events, whether at your brewery or elsewhere?
One of my favorite events here at Hopnonymous is the Del Mar Dog Rescue adoption. I love dogs and beer. It’s a perfect combo! I also adopted my second dog-child at one of them. 

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?
When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my sons and our two dogs. We frequent breweries together often!

Who do you think you are (a purposely broad question requiring a succinct answer)? 
I am a strong, caring, independent mother who loves beer!

Loic Boucheny
Beertender

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in between France and the U.S., Paris and Maryland to be exact. 

What brought you to San Diego?
I came to San Diego in 2015 to get my masters degree in sports management. I ended up working in sports for a bit, but was also working part-tIme at Hop.

When and how did you get into craft beer?
Owner Remy Zurita and I were friends before he became my boss. I had always worked in some capacity in the service industry, so when he opened Hop, he asked me if I’d be interested in hopping behind the bar. That’s when I started to learn about different hops and beer styles, and appreciate all the craftsmanship.

What do you love most about your job?
It seems cliche, but the people and our team. It’s great to come in and talk to customers – or family, as I refer to them – about their day and make sure everyone is doing well. That’s what makes this brewery special, because there’s a real family vibe and I think people come back for that. 

Truth time, what is the part of your job that you like the least?
I’m not gonna lie, cleaning the bathrooms is not my favorite thing. But we do it. We gotta keep it so fresh and so clean for everybody.

What do you love most about the company you work for?
I love the team, the communication and the setup. It all starts with Remy at the top and we all do a great job because, let’s be real, it’s not a job. Yes, we get paid for it, but we’re here to make sure people have a great time and consume quality beer. And if they do, they’ll usually come back.

What is your favorite beer that your brewery produces?
Pat’s Blue Ribbon (American lager) and Two Amigos are my go-tos. Yes, I stay on the lighter side of the board…feel free to judge me. Ha!

What are some of your favorite San Diego craft beers, in general?
I really enjoy Thorn Brewing’s Barrio Lager and Stone Brewing’s Buenaveza (salt-and-lime Mexican-style lager).

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 like sending people to Pure Project, Seek Beer Co., Societe and Thorn.

Who are some of your favorite regulars and why?
We have so many great regulars, but I’ll give Dale a shout-out. I’m sure the others may have said the same thing. He has a great upbeat energy and his Cajun roots are still well-anchored. After a couple pints, the Cajun dialect comes out. On occasion, so do the dance steps. 

What music genre and artists are playing in the tasting room when you’re in control?
I play Manu Chao radio on Spotify. My musical tastes are all over the place and I trust that playlist to keep the energy upbeat and fun.

What do you consider cornerstones when it comes to customer service, particularly at a brewery tasting room?
Greet everyone immediately and with a smile. If you’re busy, let people know that you’ll be right with them. Offer samples to help people choose the beer they want. Ask patrons about their day and make sure the bar, tables and everything else are clean.

What are your career aspirations either in or beyond the craft-beer industry?
I act around my beertending schedule, so that’s the goal. I want to keep growing as an actor and book bigger and bigger commercials and films.

What are some of your favorite beer events, whether at your brewery or elsewhere?
I love when we do Hop Con or Hop Fest and get local artists to set up shop and sell their pieces. We also get a bunch of food trucks to post up and it’s usually an amazing day. 

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?
When I’m off, I enjoy spending as much time as possible with my wife and one-year-old son, playing soccer and traveling as often as we can. That usually involves a lot of beer and food!

Who do you think you are (a purposely broad question requiring a succinct answer)? 
I’m a friendly human here to experience life to the fullest.

Breweries being spotlighted via our Praising the Bar feature performed exceptionally well in San Diego Beer News Awards voting during the span of 2021 to 2024