Breposts

Once hailed as the craft beer capital of the world, San Diego’s brewing industry has seen its rise to
global prominence and subsequent decline, marked by the challenges and downfalls of major
players like Stone Brewing, Green Flash, Ballast Point, and Modern Times.

The Early Days: Karl Strauss and the Birth of San Diego Craft Beer
The Rise of a Craft Beer Empire: Stone Brewing’s Bold Gamble
Ballast Point: The Billion-Dollar Boom and Bust
Modern Times: The Rise and Collapse of an Innovator
Green Flash Brewing: A Cautionary Tale of Overexpansion
The Boom, the Bust, and the Future of San Diego Craft Beer
 

Full Pint – by Greg Nagel  January 10, 2023

MODERN TIMES LEISURETOWN HAS BEEN TAKEN OVER BY OC BEER VETERANS

As for the changes, the coffee cafe is morphing into a high-end steak restaurant called The Craftsman, building on the Smoke and Fire legacy of meat-focused BBQ food porn that helped grow them so quickly. The goal is to have a smoker and craft cocktails…

Secondly, the main brewery area will be Villains Brewing tasting as well as a brand new pizza concept. The pool is going to stay, as per lease requirements, but the overall look and feel checking out Isaias’ mood board, reminded me of so many cool spots in Austin, Texas that are open air and modern, yet rustic.

Construction is already underway, and expect things to start unfolding near the end of April 2023.

LA Eater – by Sean Vukan  Feb 10, 2023

A Giant New OC Project Promises Craft Beer, Steaks, and Swimming Pool

The 33,000-square-foot former Modern Times Leisuretown is being overhauled by a craft beer veteran and the owner of Craft by Smoke and Fire…
The upcoming restaurant… “The Craftsman is going to be a menu with 100 percent open-fire cooking,”… With all of the old Modern Times brewing equipment still inside the facility, Kominek has been able to get up and running quickly. He hopes that, come this spring, there should be a dozen or more beers ready under the name Villains Brewery…