Martin Beaulieu had zero entrepreneurial or commercial-brewing experience when he put in an offer to purchase two-years-young Quantum Brewing from founder Dylan Wallace in 2016, but he really liked what he saw. Enough that, after taking over the Kearny Mesa strip-mall nanobrewery, he retained its scientific name, branding and interior design, all of which resonated with him as a 20-year biotech-industry vet. Doing so made for a low-key transition that stretched over half a year until a March 2017 grand re-opening that took place on Beaulieu’s birthday and officially signaled the changing of the guard.
Under Beaulieu’s energetic management, the business amassed an engaged legion of regulars, many of which live and work nearby and appreciate the gregarious owner and his uniquely varied tap list. The latter is populated by IPAs, English and Belgian-style ales, plus fruited ales and hard seltzers. Initially, those beers were produced on Quantum’s original one-barrel setup, which was sold to Escondido’s Backyard Brewery in 2018 to make room for the current three-barrel system.
Beaulieu says his business is doing well and that he greatly enjoys being part of the San Diego brewing industry, particularly the close-knit collection of breweries in the Kearny Mesa area. However, the lease on his 1,800-square-foot space will expire in December, and renewing under the proposed, significantly increased rent will not pencil out. Therefore, he has decided to close the business by the end of the year.
After pouring so much of himself into the business—doubling its revenues just two years after taking over the struggling nano, then keeping it going despite a pandemic and challenging economy—it was a tough decision. Fortunately, he has seven years of great memories that will live on beyond his tenure. Among them was watching people who thought they didn’t like beer discover they, in fact, enjoyed his, and the heartwarming support he felt watching customers line up for Friday-night growler fills during the COVID lockdowns.
Having the freedom to make the beers I wanted and bringing joy to people, one pint at a time, was rewarding. I met many people from various backgrounds, cultures and professions, and it allowed me to expand and diversify my network of friends in San Diego. I am hoping to stay in touch with them.”
Martin Beaulieu, PhD; Owner & Head Brewer, Quantum Brewing
Beaulieu hopes the business can provide that same fulfillment to someone else, perhaps a homebrewer who, like him, was interested in ascending to the pro ranks. As such, he is accepting offers on the Quantum brand as well as its inventory of brewing and fermentation equipment. Interested parties can reach out to Beaulieu via email.
For now, fans of the business and newcomers alike are welcomed to enjoy it through the end of the year. Quantum’s tasting room is open Mondays from noon to 8 p.m., Tuesdays through Thursday from noon to 9 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 10 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 7 p.m. Beaulieu intends to hold several sales and discount promotions in the coming months. An official closing event is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, December 9, details of which will be shared via Quantum’s Instagram account.
Quantum Brewing is located at 5375 Kearny Villa Road, #116 in Kearny Mesa