South Los Angeles Beverage Company, a craft beverage operator and community-focused brand, is preparing to open a new concept in Bell at 4400 Gage Avenue.
The new concept will occupy the former home of Border X Brewery, according to a recent liquor license application. While the specific name is still under trademark review, co-owner Craig Bowers tells What Now Los Angeles that the team hopes to open in the first quarter of 2026. This site will be open to the public and aims to offer a fresh experience from the team behind South Los Angeles Beverage Company.
South Los Angeles Beverage Company previously appeared in What Now Los Angeles coverage in 2021, when plans for a larger brewery, winery, coffee roastery, and restaurant project in South Los Angeles were reviewed by local neighborhood groups. That earlier project highlighted the company’s commitment to adaptive reuse, revitalizing industrial properties, and creating community-oriented spaces with food, drink, and entertainment.
Founded by Bowers and Samuel Chawinga, South Los Angeles Beverage Company emphasizes community engagement and high-quality craft beverages. The founders have extensive experience in brewing, marketing, and event production, with a focus on giving back to the neighborhoods they serve. Previous projects under the company umbrella, including People’s Republic of South Central, have combined craft beer with cultural programming and community support initiatives.
The Bell location is expected to feature public on-site operations, likely blending beverage production, tasting, and community-focused programming. This new concept will mark another step in the company’s evolution, bringing innovative craft beverage offerings and neighborhood gathering spaces to South Los Angeles while building on nearly a decade of experience in the region.
