Two of San Diego’s most recognizable names in beer and nightlife are joining forces, as RMD Group (Huntress, Rustic Root) becomes an official partner in Ballast Point Brewing Company with plans to expand its local footprint.
Founded in 2008 by Mike Georgopoulos, Dave Renzella, and Dan Renzella, RMD Group is best known for operating some of San Diego’s most recognized dining and nightlife destinations, including Huntress, Swing Social, Lumi, and two locations of Rustic Root. Through its events division, the company also has interests in Sicilian eatery Barbusa, Nonna in Little Italy, Sidebar and Gaslamplighter. In mid-2024, RMD added East Village distillery Storyhouse Spirits to its events portfolio, selling private events for the venue while leaving day-to-day operations in the hands of its own management team.
RMD's footprint extends beyond restaurants to operating private events at Ballast Point’s hospitality venues in Anaheim, Long Beach, Little Italy, and Miramar, as well as managing Bay City Brewing’s East Village rooftop space. This hospitality expertise was a major factor in RMD’s formal entry as a partner in Ballast Point.
"Our relationship with Ballast Point goes back many years, so becoming an official partner felt like a natural next step," Georgopoulos said. "We’ve always admired their innovation and quality, and this partnership allows us to help shape the future of one of San Diego’s most iconic craft beer brands."
The collaboration also aligns with RMD’s broader vision for growth. "Our strategy has always been about growing in ways that strengthen San Diego’s hospitality and beverage landscape," Georgopoulos explained. "Partnering with Ballast Point gives us the opportunity to combine our expertise in hospitality with a brand that has national recognition, while still keeping our roots firmly in the local community."
Watters, who acquired Ballast Point in 2019 from Constellation Brands under the Kings & Convicts Brewing banner, has faced significant challenges in revitalizing the brand. The pandemic disrupted initial plans, and in 2023, Athletic Brewing Company assumed brewing operations at Ballast Point’s massive Miramar facility. Today, Ballast Point’s only San Diego locations are its Little Italy taproom and the Miramar restaurant and bar.
With RMD now officially on board, plans are underway to open at least one additional Ballast Point taproom in San Diego County once the right location is found. “After seeing the warm welcome Rustic Root received in Solana Beach earlier this year, we’re excited to continue growing in new neighborhoods,” Georgopoulos said. While expansion outside the county remains on the table, restoring the brewery’s local presence is the top priority.
For more information, visit ballastpoint.com and rmdgroupsd.com.
Originally published on August 13, 2025. Information first reported by Brandon Hernandez of San Diego Beer News.
