Modern Times Beer, a San Diego-based craft brewery known for its innovative beers and strong community ties, is getting ready to take over a space in San Diego’s Downtown at 410 4th Avenue.
Previously, What Now San Diego reported that The Local relocating its downtown San Diego location to the former Bootlegger space at 804 Market Street in East Village. Owner Mina Desiderio tells What Now that Modern Times Beer is set to take over both the longtime home of The Local and the adjacent space, previously a Resident Brewing facility. It’s unclear when this transition is expected to happen, but it’s another chapter in Modern Times’ long history. This will be the company’s third location, following sites in North Park and Encinitas.
Modern Times Beer was founded in 2013 by Jacob McKean and became California’s first employee-owned brewery in 2017, allowing staff to share in its success. However, by 2022, financial struggles led to a court-ordered sale of the company, and Hawaii-based Maui Brewing Company acquired Modern Times for $15.3 million. As part of the acquisition, Modern Times closed several locations, including its original Point Loma brewery, and shifted operations to contract brewing with AleSmith Brewing. Despite these changes, the brewery continues to operate tasting rooms in North Park and Encinitas, while distributing its beers and coffee across 28 states.
When Modern Times Beer opens its new Downtown location, customers can expect the company’s delicious variety of beers. While specific details about the venue are limited, customers can anticipate the brewery’s signature blend of craft beer and coffee in a vibrant, community-focused atmosphere. The Downtown location will likely feature a rotating selection of Modern Times’ core beers, such as Blazing World, a hoppy amber ale, and Fortunate Islands, a hoppy wheat beer. The space is expected to reflect the brand’s commitment to quality and innovation, offering a welcoming environment for both locals and visitors..
