Laughing Monk Brewing is tapping into Campbell, with plans to open a new taproom at The Pruneyard shopping center in the former Rock Bottom space that has sat empty since last summer. The Bay Area gastropub chain is slated to bring in its rotating beer lineup and a full kitchen, but neither the landlord nor the brewery has put an opening date on the calendar yet. The deal marks another notable get for The Pruneyard, which has been steadily filling vacancies over the last year.
According to San José Spotlight, a Regency Centers spokesperson confirmed that a lease has been signed with Laughing Monk's brewmaster, while keeping quiet on when the Campbell location might debut. The outlet reported that city officials and the local chamber welcomed the incoming tenant, pointing to Laughing Monk's Bay Area roots and broad menu as a strong match for the retail center.
Where Laughing Monk Comes From
Laughing Monk currently runs gastropubs in Sunnyvale and Scotts Valley and operates a production taproom along with another outpost in San Francisco, according to the brewery's website. The brand expanded its footprint in 2023 by taking over Faultline's taprooms and expanding its reach across the Bay Area, as previously reported by Eater SF. Laughing Monk Brewing leans on a rotating beer program paired with a full gastropub menu, a combination the company has used to grow beyond its Bayview brewing home base.
Replacing a Decades-Old Anchor
Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery held down the Pruneyard corner for about 30 years before abruptly closing in July 2025, leaving roughly 45 employees out of work. San José Spotlight reported that workers were informed the morning the doors closed, highlighting how sudden the closure felt for staff.
What To Expect Next
Regency Centers has yet to share a schedule for tenant improvements or an opening day, and Laughing Monk did not immediately respond to requests for comment, according to local reporting. The Pruneyard has been active on the leasing front; a last-minute lease deal recently kept Pruneyard Cinemas open, underscoring how quickly the center's tenant mix is evolving.
Laughing Monk's arrival would add a locally rooted brewery and family-friendly gastropub to Campbell's dining lineup. This story will be updated as soon as the brewery or landlord releases an opening date or additional details.
