In a surprising move for the beer industry, Erik Fowler, executive director of the San Diego Brewers Guild, alongside his wife Shannon, announced their plans to open a new brewery named Good Pressure Brewing Company in Allied Gardens by the end of this year.
This announcement comes at a time when many breweries across the country are facing significant challenges. The latest Brewers Association report reveals that more breweries are closing than opening nationwide and that craft beer volume has decreased by 5 percent since 2024.
Even in San Diego, dubbed the “Capital of Craft,” the closures are notable. Several breweries, including Goal Brewing, which exited the Brewery Igniter space in North Park, and Little Miss Brewing, which closed all its locations earlier this year, illustrate the tough landscape. Additionally, Division 23 Brewing also shuttered in May, while the owners of Jacked Up Brewery opted for retirement.
Against this backdrop, the decision by the Fowlers to open a new brewery raises eyebrows, yet Erik Fowler is hardly a newcomer to the beer scene. He is a certified Cicerone and BJCP beer judge with sommelier training, along with an impressive educational background in brewing from UC Davis and a Professional Certificate in the Business of Craft Beer from San Diego State University.
Fowler’s extensive experience includes managing distribution and the taproom at ChuckAlek in Ramona, serving as a lead at Stone Brewing, and spending nine years at White Labs in education and hospitality before directing the San Diego Brewers Guild.
Opening a brewery has long been a dream for Fowler, stating, “I’ve always wanted to own a business in the beverage space. That’s been a goal since I turned 21. I’ve always had the entrepreneurial mindset, and I’m at an age and an experience level where the leap and the risk makes sense.”
For the past 18 months, the Fowlers combed through potential locations to fulfill this aspiration, emphasizing their desire to remain close to their East County home. Notably, San Diego’s East County has fewer breweries, with less than 10 percent of the city’s breweries situated there. As such, many areas remain underserved when it comes to craft beer.
Fowler expressed, “There’s still a lot of opportunity there, especially for underserved neighborhoods.”
After a year of searching, their luck changed upon discovering the former Poochie’s Hooch Urban Cidery space in Allied Gardens, which boasts two patios, a cellar, and existing tasting room infrastructure – all suited for a brewery setup.
Fowler remarked, “It’s in a great neighborhood that doesn’t have a whole lot to offer. We wanted a spot that could be family-friendly, and it just ended up working out.”
Despite the official address in the city of San Diego, the Fowlers plan on targeting their marketing and distribution efforts toward the eastern areas of the county, as they resonate more with the local culture outside of traditional coastal stereotypes.
He shared, “San Diego to a lot of people is the beach, but from growing up and being in East County, the San Diego that we know and see isn’t that at all.” His wife, Shannon, who works for the Center for Plant Conservation in Escondido, has influenced the branding to evoke a nature-inspired and plant-based theme, aligning with local sensibilities.
Initially, Good Pressure Brewing Company will launch alongside food trucks focusing on a beer-centric menu. However, they envision expanding their offerings to include wine, cider, and ultimately an in-house food program.
Fowler articulated the brewery’s intention to foster an inclusive environment, particularly for families and individuals unfamiliar with craft beer. He desires for patrons to enjoy their experience without the pressure of beer knowledge dictating their visit, saying, “I want somebody like my mom to be able to come in and feel comfortable, and be comfortable ordering.”
He went on to assert, “We never want anybody to have to pull out a phone to look something up. We want people to come in and have a good time… we want to be the brewery that people are wrapping up their kids’ soccer games.”
Good Pressure Brewing Company is set to open in late 2025, located at 7559 Mission Gorge Road in Allied Gardens.
In parallel San Diego’s evolving culinary scene, the second annual Taste of College Area is set to take place in September, showcasing a range of restaurants and eateries along El Cajon Boulevard.
This event, which begins at 11 a.m. on Sunday, September 28, offers food enthusiasts a chance to experience the area’s growing dining options, with stops between 54th Street and 73rd Street. Participants can opt to utilize a free trolley that runs throughout the event duration, ensuring a convenient way to explore the festivity.
In a separate development, pupusa fans can embrace the new FiveO3 Pupusas location at Fashion Valley Mall, marking the second for the Cathedral City-based restaurant, with more to follow in Las Americas Premium Outlets.
For those invested in the beer industry, the annual Craft Beer Con at Mira Costa College’s San Elijo campus will take place on Tuesday, August 5. Attendees can expect educational sessions focused on various aspects of the brewing process and the industry, culminating in a happy hour networking opportunity at 4 p.m.
Lastly, Breakers in Encinitas has opened its doors, thanks to pro surfer Benji Weatherley, who has resurrected his family’s former Hawaiian restaurant, infusing the neighborhood with island-inspired food and drinks.
San Diego’s food and drink scene continues to evolve, featuring new establishments and events aimed at celebrating the region’s culinary diversity.
image source from：sandiegomagazine
