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Modern Times brewery closed in consolidation move
The original San Diego brewery for Modern Times Beer has now officially been closed by new owners Maui Brewing Company.
Closing down the Point Loma-based site was the decision of Maui Brewing Company and will see Modern Times brewing shifted to a contract model, working with AleSmith Brewing in Mirama.
Modern Times was first founded by Jacob McKean in 2013 and experienced rapid growth after its launch, quickly expanding to multiple locations across California and Oregon. During its peak, the brewery operated a restaurant and tasting room in Los Angeles, a brewery in Portland, Oregon, a tasting room and restaurant in Santa Barbara and venues in both Oakland and Anaheim, California. However, despite its popularity, the trials and tribulations of Modern Times have also seen the brewery endure many challenges since its humble beginnings.
For instance, back in April 2022, following the closure of more than half of its locations, the company faced so many legal and financial difficulties that the situation resulted in a court-ordered sale.
Maui Brewing then acquired the business in July 2022 for US$15.3 million after an initial auction bid from Brewery X reportedly fell through.
The decision to permanently close the Modern Times original brewery site however, which has been the original location for beer production since Modern Times began, follows a raft of financial challenges for the business.
The closure is said to be part of a larger restructuring plan aimed at consolidating operations, and with it nearly 60 jobs have also been cut.
Modern Times will now focus on operating its last remaining tasting rooms in North Park and Encinitas. Two tasting rooms being a far cry from its legendary days amid America’s craft beer revolution.
The permanent closure of the Point Loma brewery also not only marks the end of an era for the brand, but its last connection to its roots. Despite the decision, one silver lining for the business is that its partnership with AleSmith ensures that Modern Times beers will still, at least, be brewed in its hometown of San Diego.
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