April 28, 2013
By Megan Gallagher | SanDiegoVille Contributor
Stone Brewing Co. has long been considered by San Diegans a craft beer mecca, the one that started it all, if you will, and helped solidify San Diego as the craft beer capital of the U.S. It appears the folks at The Brewers Association are paying tribute, as they’ve recognized the Escondido-based brewery as the 10th largest producer of craft beer in the United States. This acknowledgment comes at a prime time for Stone, as they are slated to open their newest location at Liberty Station in Point Loma later this month and another pair of World Bistros in Terminal 2 of San Diego Airport this summer.
“We’ve had double digit production growth since beginning in 1996,” Sabrina LoPiccolo, Stone Brewing Co.’s public relations representative said. “Being named the 10th largest craft brewery in the United States is a nice acknowledgement of our growth, but it doesn’t change the way we run our business. We will continue to grow at a pace that is in line with our focus of brewing the most amazing, big character beers possible, without compromising on ingredients or our standards.”
In 2012 alone, Stone Brewing produced 177,200 barrels and they’re on track this year to produce 210,000 barrels, an impressive 19 percent increase. In addition to satisfying the thirst of residents throughout Southern California, the brewery distributes to 37 states, and even ships a small amount to the United Kingdom, Sweden, Japan and Singapore.
Downtown and beach area residents who are fans of Stone will be able to get their fix a bit closer to home beginning in May when a Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens opens in Liberty Station. This latest edition to the Stone family encompasses more than 23,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor dining and bars, as well as a bocce ball court, outdoor cinema and beer garden where guests can host private events. The restaurant will have 40 unique craft beers on tap and more than 100 additional craft beers available for purchase.
“Guests will be greeted by the same industrial-meets-organic motif in Escondido, but our fans will notice the architecture of the historical U.S. navy building brings a unique atmosphere to the location,” LoPiccolo said. “Liberty Station will provide our local fans another convenient option to dine or shop,” LoPiccolo said. “We look forward to hosting our current fans at our new location, and educating new guests on the wonderful world of craft beer.”
And if you thought the company was done there – think again. Stone Farms, the 19-acre farm where much of the fresh produce for Stone’s signature menu originates, is set to open to the public early next month. Guests who visit Stone Farms will be able to take tours of the property, get growler fills and more. Stone Brewery is also making headway with world travelers, and will open two airport locations in Lindbergh Field’s Terminal 2 (east and west) at some point mid-summer 2013. There are also plans for the development of a Stone Hotel near the company grounds in Escondido, as well as a Europe-based brewery location.
“There is so much pride in the San Diego craft brewing industry, and we love sharing that with people locally who are becoming more aware of San Diego’s international reputation, as well as visitors who are coming here specifically for the craft beer experience,” said Stone Brewing CEO Greg Koch. “And we look forward to meeting those who are not yet aware of what we have to offer, and want to learn more about craft beer...everyone deserves the opportunity to have a craft beer epiphany.”
Stay tuned as we watch track the expansion of Stone Brewing Co. Cheers!
Stone Brewing Co. has long been considered by San Diegans a craft beer mecca, the one that started it all, if you will, and helped solidify San Diego as the craft beer capital of the U.S. It appears the folks at The Brewers Association are paying tribute, as they’ve recognized the Escondido-based brewery as the 10th largest producer of craft beer in the United States. This acknowledgment comes at a prime time for Stone, as they are slated to open their newest location at Liberty Station in Point Loma later this month and another pair of World Bistros in Terminal 2 of San Diego Airport this summer.
“We’ve had double digit production growth since beginning in 1996,” Sabrina LoPiccolo, Stone Brewing Co.’s public relations representative said. “Being named the 10th largest craft brewery in the United States is a nice acknowledgement of our growth, but it doesn’t change the way we run our business. We will continue to grow at a pace that is in line with our focus of brewing the most amazing, big character beers possible, without compromising on ingredients or our standards.”
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| Tracking the development at Liberty Station |
Downtown and beach area residents who are fans of Stone will be able to get their fix a bit closer to home beginning in May when a Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens opens in Liberty Station. This latest edition to the Stone family encompasses more than 23,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor dining and bars, as well as a bocce ball court, outdoor cinema and beer garden where guests can host private events. The restaurant will have 40 unique craft beers on tap and more than 100 additional craft beers available for purchase.
“Guests will be greeted by the same industrial-meets-organic motif in Escondido, but our fans will notice the architecture of the historical U.S. navy building brings a unique atmosphere to the location,” LoPiccolo said. “Liberty Station will provide our local fans another convenient option to dine or shop,” LoPiccolo said. “We look forward to hosting our current fans at our new location, and educating new guests on the wonderful world of craft beer.”
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| Leaving San Diego will be slightly less bitter with the addition of Stone Brewing Co. in Terminal 2 |
“There is so much pride in the San Diego craft brewing industry, and we love sharing that with people locally who are becoming more aware of San Diego’s international reputation, as well as visitors who are coming here specifically for the craft beer experience,” said Stone Brewing CEO Greg Koch. “And we look forward to meeting those who are not yet aware of what we have to offer, and want to learn more about craft beer...everyone deserves the opportunity to have a craft beer epiphany.”
Stay tuned as we watch track the expansion of Stone Brewing Co. Cheers!
