Ever since news broke this past May that Coronado Brewing Company had listed Monkey Paw Brewing for sale after less than a year of ownership due to litigation with the brewpub's former founder, fans and insiders have predicted that the East Village spot would likely soon shutter. Well that day has finally come. Monkey Paw Pub & Brewery has closed for business and the space will eventually become a new concept.
"I regret to inform you that as of today Monkey Paw will be permanently closing its doors," wrote manager Onan Davis in an email to Monkey Paw's subscribers list. "It will become another bar eventually however, it’s going to take probably a few months before that comes to fruition."
Coronado Brewing acquired the Monkey Paw brand in summer 2017 and quickly overhauled the aesthetics of the East Village pub. In April of this year, Monkey Paw's founder Scot Blair - who also owns Hamilton’s Tavern, South Park Brewing Company and was still a stakeholder in the Monkey Paw brand - filed a lawsuit against Monkey Paw alleging breach of contract and associated claims seeking $33,534 plus interest as part of a promissory note that was dated September 1, 2017. According to the lawsuit, Blair has not received any payments. Allegedly, Blair and the Coronado Brewing team disagreed about a multitude of issues. The lawsuit will continue with a September 28 hearing currently on court calendar. Many staff members were also surprised by today's announced closure of Monkey Paw.
Scot Blair opened Monkey Paw in 2011 with brewer Cosimo Sorrentino leading the inhouse brewing program, which at its peak produced 650 barrels a year. In 2013, Monkey Paw won a gold medal at the illustrious Great American Beer Festival for its Bonobos strong pale ale. In 2016, the small craft brewery won a gold medal at the World Beer Cup for its Ashes from the Grave smoked beer. Cosimo Sorrentino also left Monkey Paw in 2016 and is now working at Blair's South Park Brewing Company.
Coronado Brewing Company has recently added a new outdoor beer garden to its main production facility and tasting room in Bay Park, opened just in time for the company’s 22nd Anniversary celebration this past July. The company launched SouthNorte Beer Company in 2017 and also announced a second location in Imperial Beach, which is currently stalled. SouthNorte’s will unveil a 10-barrel brewery at the Telefónica Gastro Park in Tijuana this Friday, August 31.
There is no word yet on what will become of the Monkey Paw space at 805 16th Street in San Diego's East Village.
There is no word yet on what will become of the Monkey Paw space at 805 16th Street in San Diego's East Village.
