by LOMA POINT Bay City Brewing Co. invited the public to attend a party at their Point Loma tasting room to celebrate their tenth anniversary and receive the first pour of their limited edition 10th Anniversary Triple IPA.
The artisan brewer, which also runs a facility Downtown at 627 Eighth Ave. close to Petco Park, celebrated ten years of daring beers, community involvement, and good times with the Saturday celebration at 3760 Hancock St.
According to Chad Robley, co-owner of Bay City Brewing, “this celebration is not just about the growth of our brewery; it’s about the community we’ve built, the relationships we’ve fostered, and the incredible beers we’ve been able to share with San Diego.” We made our tenth anniversary beer as a way to express our gratitude to everyone who has supported us along the way.
Founded in 2015 by Benjamin Dubois and Greg Anderson of McGregor’s Bar & Grill in Mission Valley, Bay City is renowned for its creative brewing methods and dedication to quality. The company makes more than a dozen artisan beers, some of which are seasonal.
A tasting room and a rooftop bar with expansive views of the San Diego skyline were features of Bay City’s second site, which opened in East Village in 2020.
Bay City’s chief operating officer, Rob Vetere, spoke with the Peninsula Beaconto about the company’s role in the craft-brew sector and its current situation.
Vetere pointed out that Bay City was founded in 2015 by three friends and partners who just wanted to enter the beer business during a vibrant period when beer was really popular. They acquired this production and distribution facilities in Point Loma and began brewing.
Due to its location right across from Pechanga Arena San Diego, which hosts sporting events, concerts, and family performances, Bay City’s Midway neighborhood economy is event-driven. The arena’s two main tenants are the San Diego Seals lacrosse team and the San Diego Gulls hockey team.
According to Vetere, the summer months are our slowest because [the arena] does not book as many events during this period. We are open Thursday through Sunday. The bulk of our business is driven by the Gulls and Seals starting in October, which is the meat of our season.
Vetere pointed out that COVID was a market correction for all parties involved in the business, and that changing customer preferences are making it more difficult to achieve profitability.
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He noted that many excellent beers have recently changed their business strategies. The competition isn’t only beer anymore, so there are new obstacles to overcome. These days, we have ready-to-drink cocktails, seltzers, and cannabis.
According to Vetere, the customer has evolved. The younger generation does not consume as much beer as you do. They drink more craft non-alcoholic cocktails, or mocktails, and are more varied. In the past, your competitors were wine, liquor, and beer. Your vista (of competing spirits) is now wider.
Going out has also grown more costly. He added, You’re not seeing as many folks going out as much.
According to Vetere, Bay City self-distributes to about 250 eateries and bars in San Diego County, from the border to Oceanside. Their main offerings include a West Coast IPA, a few hazes, and their best-selling Fiesta Island Pilsner.
According to Vetere, in order to keep things interesting, we attempt to develop a new special release or seasonal product every three months in addition to our year-round and signature brews.
The business donates a portion of each month’s sales to San Diego dog organizations through its Fiesta Island Pilsner, which has its iconic image of a dog wearing sunglasses. \ Vetere stated, “It’s good to know that our best seller is giving back to the communities as well.”
Vetere attributed the company’s sustained success in the San Diego craft-brewing sector to Bay City’s leadership and management.
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We’re growing because of our fantastic sales team; they’re working hard,” he remarked. The craft beer market is currently a challenging one. Work is what has shaped us. It’s not sexy. It’s not ostentatious. We are still able to perform successfully because we have separated account maintenance and client service.
State of craft breweries
Despite various changes and closures in the business as well as new openings, San Diego County currently maintains a large number of craft brewers. There are more than 150 independent craft brewers in the county as of early 2025.
However, the San Diego craft beer market has experienced a rise in closures, especially in 2024, following a period of strong expansion.
Craft closures are attributed to a variety of factors by experts. These include rising expenses, rising wages, and heightened competition that put profitability at risk, as well as shifting consumer preferences as younger generations look into other beverage options.
Another element is industry consolidation, with businesses opening and closing and others being acquired or relaunched under different names.
