The heart of Barrio Logan's vibrant Latino and Chicano community faces a potential loss as Border X Brewing, a cultural and social mainstay, warns of possible closure by the end of 2024. NBC San Diego reports that the brewery, a fixture in the area since 2013, could shut down due to financial strains. According to owner David Favela, the pandemic inflicted heavy damages on the business, forcing it to shutter several locations, with the Logan Avenue site being the last one remaining.
In a cry for support, Favela noted the local ecosystem's interconnectedness, which thrives on communal foot traffic. "There are nearly 100 micro-peneuers on the block; artists, merchants, activists, that have spaces that depend on the foot traffic that comes through this community," Favela pointed out in a statement obtained by NBC San Diego. With Small Business Saturday approaching, Favela remains hopeful that a community response can alleviate the financial burdens and save the cultural hub.
The struggles faced by Border X Brewing are mirrored across the historic neighborhood, with other establishments grappling with their issues. Las Cuatro Milpas, a taco shop nearing its centennial, is at the brink of a property tax auction over a $50,000 tax debt, adding to the narrative of a distressed community. Favela, echoing the sentiments surrounding these challenges, fears the loss of places that enrich Barrio Logan's culture, having already seen revered locations like La Bodega and Salud close their doors.
Amidst this uncertainty, Border X Brewing reached out via Instagram to underscore its role in the community. "Our story is similar to many businesses that survived COVID and fought to succeed," the Border X Brewery shared in the social media post. Tears are not their aim but stability. The brewery's struggles represent the wider economic recovery that remains elusive for many local businesses. In the face of lease expiration and unresolved debt, the brewery calls for support through a GoFundMe campaign and encourages patronage to preserve the spirit of Barrio Logan.
