One of Ocean Beach's most recognizable craft beer destinations is searching for a new steward. OB Brewery, the award-winning three-story brewpub overlooking Newport Avenue, has officially been listed for sale as founder Mike Tajran prepares to retire after more than four decades of serving the Ocean Beach community.
Tajran, who first established himself in the neighborhood when he opened Giant New York Pizza in 1984, has spent 42 years operating businesses on the same block. After his longtime lease at Newport Pizza & Ale House unexpectedly ended in 2020, the transition proved less disruptive than it might have been thanks to his foresight. More than a decade earlier, Tajran had purchased the property at 5041 Newport Avenue and spent years transforming it into what would become OB Brewery, which opened in June 2016 after a three-year development process.
At the time of opening over a decade ago, Tajran described the brewery as a passion project built to complement the neighborhood he had long called home. That vision quickly translated into industry recognition. Since opening, OB Brewery has earned an impressive collection of awards, including being named Small Brewpub of the Year at the 2018 Great American Beer Festival, while longtime brewer Jim Millea was honored as Small Brewpub Brewer of the Year.
The brewery has also captured numerous medals for beers including Hidden Gem Dunkelweizen, B. Right On Pale Ale, Elevator Red IPA, Couple's Therapy Chili Beer, and Rauch Me Smoked Beer, most recently adding medals at this year's San Diego County Fair Craft Brew Competition and the 2026 World Beer Cup.
Despite the sale, Tajran says the brewery will remain open until the right buyer is found. His hope is that the business remains locally owned and continues building on the reputation established over the past decade. "It's got so much potential," Tajran told San Diego Magazine, emphasizing that he wants to pass the brewery to someone with both brewing expertise and sound business experience.
The offering includes far more than an established brewery brand. The property features one of Ocean Beach's few rooftop dining venues with unobstructed ocean views from all three levels. Tajran also revealed that deed restrictions he secured when purchasing the property prevent the buildings between the brewery and the ocean from being built higher, helping preserve those coveted views. Additionally, leased adjacent space provides room for a future owner to significantly expand brewing operations.
Longtime staff members are also expected to remain through the transition. Brewer Jim Millea has been with the brewery since day one, while general manager Megan Schuster has worked alongside Tajran for nearly two decades, first at Newport Pizza and later at OB Brewery. Tajran says many of the employees are Ocean Beach locals who have helped shape the brewery into a neighborhood institution.
While Tajran and his wife are looking forward to retirement and spending more time with family, he says finding the right successor remains his top priority.
"I love Ocean Beach," Tajran told San Diego Magazine. "I can say nothing but thank you, OB."
Interested buyers can inquire through Next Wave Commercial. In the meantime, OB Brewery remains open daily at 5041 Newport Avenue, continuing to pour award-winning beers and serve guests from one of Ocean Beach's most recognizable rooftop destinations.
Originally published on July 14, 2026. Information first reported by Beth Demmon of San Diego Magazine.
Despite the sale, Tajran says the brewery will remain open until the right buyer is found. His hope is that the business remains locally owned and continues building on the reputation established over the past decade. "It's got so much potential," Tajran told San Diego Magazine, emphasizing that he wants to pass the brewery to someone with both brewing expertise and sound business experience.
The offering includes far more than an established brewery brand. The property features one of Ocean Beach's few rooftop dining venues with unobstructed ocean views from all three levels. Tajran also revealed that deed restrictions he secured when purchasing the property prevent the buildings between the brewery and the ocean from being built higher, helping preserve those coveted views. Additionally, leased adjacent space provides room for a future owner to significantly expand brewing operations.
Longtime staff members are also expected to remain through the transition. Brewer Jim Millea has been with the brewery since day one, while general manager Megan Schuster has worked alongside Tajran for nearly two decades, first at Newport Pizza and later at OB Brewery. Tajran says many of the employees are Ocean Beach locals who have helped shape the brewery into a neighborhood institution.
While Tajran and his wife are looking forward to retirement and spending more time with family, he says finding the right successor remains his top priority.
"I love Ocean Beach," Tajran told San Diego Magazine. "I can say nothing but thank you, OB."
Interested buyers can inquire through Next Wave Commercial. In the meantime, OB Brewery remains open daily at 5041 Newport Avenue, continuing to pour award-winning beers and serve guests from one of Ocean Beach's most recognizable rooftop destinations.
Originally published on July 14, 2026. Information first reported by Beth Demmon of San Diego Magazine.
