Modern Times Coffee, the coffee division of San Diego-based craft brewery Modern Times Beer, is set to open a new location, called The Cathedral of Caffeination, in San Diego at 3052 El Cajon Boulevard, Suite 101.
The company’s new location is set to move into the former home of Goal Brewing, according to recent permit filings through the San Diego Department of Environmental Health and Quality. While an exact opening date has not been announced, the 2,500-square-foot suite is being converted from a brewery into a headquarters for Modern Times Coffee, including a “coffee taproom” with cold-brew, flash-chilled, and barrel-aged coffee on tap, according to SD Beer News. The company is now moving forward under the ownership of Duncan Ward. Customers can expect a community-focused space with a variety of coffee offerings.
Modern Times Beer was founded in 2013 by Jacob McKean and became California’s first employee-owned brewery in 2017. Financial difficulties led to a court-ordered sale in 2022, and Hawaii-based Maui Brewing Company acquired the brand for $15.3 million. Following the acquisition, several locations, including the original Point Loma brewery, were closed, and AleSmith Brewing assumed contract brewing responsibilities. Modern Times continues to operate tasting rooms in North Park and Encinitas while distributing beers and coffee across 28 states.
The El Cajon Boulevard suite has a history of hosting multiple beverage brands over nine years, including San Diego Brewing Co., Attitude Brewing, and GOAL. Brewing, and the hard kombucha brand Juneshine. GOAL. Brewing ceased operations earlier this year, leaving the space available for Modern Times Coffee. This marks the first non-beer use for the suite since Juneshine relocated to Scripps Ranch.
The Cathedral of Caffeination will feature numerous varieties on tap and serve as a hub for the brand’s java operations. The space reflects Modern Times’ focus on quality, innovation, and approachable hospitality. The El Cajon Boulevard location complements Modern Times’ ongoing expansion in San Diego, which includes the Timestead Bar and restaurant at the former downtown home of The Local Eatery & Drinking Hole and the defunct Resident Brewing, as well as Chronos Hall, a 6,000-square-foot special-events venue located at 325 15th Street.
