In a surprising turn for the Southern California craft brewing community, the ownership baton at Bagby Beer Company is being passed to fellow brewmasters from Orange County. The downtown Oceanside landmark, known for its extensive taps and ocean views, is being taken over by the growing Green Cheek Beer Company, as announced by the Bagby’s themselves on social media last week.
Jeff and Dande Bagby, who established Bagby Beer nearly a decade past in 2014, elaborated on their motivations behind the sale in a heartfelt company announcement. "The past several years have been particularly devastating," they admitted. The couple has struggled to return to pre-pandemic prosperity and realized that their challenges "exceed our own abilities and our emotional, psychological, and financial fortitude." This decision comes as the business approaches an end to its eleven-year lease with a necessary decision to renew or conclude its operations looming.
Green Cheek Beer, founded in 2017 by Evan Price and Brian Rauso, is stepping up to continue the brewing tradition in Oceanside. Not rookies in the scene, Green Cheek is praised for their hoppy and crispy beers, as well as for their larger-than-life stouts and hard seltzers. According to The Coast News, the Oceanside location boasts four bars, an outdoor area, and an onsite brewery that will soon be operating under the Green Cheek banner with plans to open in early March.
For the Bagby’s, respecting their legacy and team was paramount in their selling decision. "Green Cheek has shown honor and respect for what we have built over the years in Oceanside and understands how important our team is to us," the Bagbys' statement read. Green Cheek intends to keep the existing staff who are interested in staying, ensuring a degree of continuity for both employees and patrons. The Bagbys are not stepping away immediately, with Jeff Bagby set to continue brewing under the Green Cheek banner and Dande assisting through the transition.
The Orange County brewers, for their part, are embracing the addition with open arms. "We're excited to announce that we’ll be opening in Oceanside," Green Cheek broadcasted on Instagram. The upcoming opening is regarded with optimism by both parties as they navigate this changeover, signaling a new chapter for the coastal brewery hub, one that both Bagby Beer and Green Cheek hope will remain a mainstay in the craft beer lovers’ itinerary.
