Daren Rudy and Alex Kim accomplished what many only dream of—they opened their own business. The partners had initially discussed opening a restaurant, but with ten years at Ballast Point under Rudy’s belt, the pair decided a brewery was the right move. That brewery, Ataraxia Aleworks, officially opened on May 29, 2021.
Launching any independent business means taking huge risks, financially and emotionally. After 3.5 years (specifically, post-Covid years), the pair recently decided to put the brewery up for sale.
Kim says they didn’t know what to expect when it came to operating their brewery. He’d never worked in the service industry before. “We were eager to make our stamp on the San Diego craft brewing scene,” he explains. But after nearly four years of running a business, he says the reality of ownership blindsided them. “We’re lucky to get more than a few days off a month,” he says. The work-life balance worked—until it didn’t. “We decided we wanted to go back to being employees somewhere else. A regular schedule seems more sense to both of us right now.”
Ataraxia’s 3.5-barrel turnkey brewhouse for sale comes with four seven-barrel fermenting vessels and a seven-barrel Brite tank with an annual output capability of 350 barrels annually. The 50-person tasting room and 15-tap system are also included in the package, with lots of space for parking and hosting events. Once the new owner gets a license, Kim says they could start brewing and serving immediately.
Until a severe offer comes through, the partners say Ataraxia will continue business as usual, even as they transition away from brewing. Kim is working again as a project manager for a tech consultancy firm, while Rudy looks to put his civil engineering degree to work.
San Diego’s craft beer scene made it through the pandemic years relatively unscathed, but every boom has its fizzle. It’s now clear the local industry has leveled out to a new normal, as opposed to the unsustainable growth of the 2010s, and Ataraxia isn’t the only brewery operation for sale right now (Bolt Brewery) or recently sold (Helia Brewing). New breweries are still opening steadily (Weir Beer) and growing (Karl Strauss). Considering that around 20 percent of small businesses fail in the first year, making it this far remains an accomplishment that the duo should—and does—feel proud of.
“The word ‘ataraxia’ itself means tranquility, and we feel that our tasting room really encapsulated that feeling,” says Kim. “There is a lot to be proud of with the time we had, and the community and friends we made along the way is atop of that list.”
He adds a piece of quick advice for aspiring brewery owners hoping to follow in their footsteps. “You are capable of accomplishing and enduring more than you think you are capable of, and the journey to finding that out is worth everything. Rudy agrees. “Follow your dreams!”
Serious inquiries can be sent to [email protected].
San Diego Restaurant News & Food Events
Portland’s Le Pigeon Joins Two Ducks on Monday, October 21
San Diego is preparing to receive a PDX infusion when local pop-up series Two Ducks hosts Portland-based Le Pigeon on Monday, October 21. Chefs Danny and Dante Romero will collaborate with James Beard Award-winning chef Gabriel Rucker and chef Dana Francisco for a one-night-only pairing experience with Oregon and French wines alongside Southern California and Mexican-influenced dishes. Reservations are now available here.
City Tacos Partners Up With Papalo For Revamped Concept
Gerry Torres, owner of City Tacos, now owns one of his next-door neighbors—the La Mesa barbecue hot spot Papalo. Chef Drew Bent remains a partner and chef. Still, Torres says, “Our collaboration is going to take Papalo to new heights,” adding he plans to help refine the menu with new items, including vegetarian options and monthly chef’s specials, as well as catering options and future expansion opportunities. Papalo’s hours are also more consistent: Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. “This is the start of something big,” Torres promises.
Beth’s Bites
- Weir Beer is opening in Vista. The soft opening period starts on October 18, with the grand opening following on November 1. Check their Instagram for details about the official celebration, which includes a costume contest.
- Speaking of grand openings, Torque Coffee is the latest coffee shop to hit the San Diego scene at 3459 El Cajon Blvd and will host their grand opening extravaganza on October 20. Stop by from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for drinks, lots of vegan/vegetarian bites and non-alcoholic cocktails, music, and more.
- After many twists, turns, and different addresses, the newest outpost of Tuetano Taqueria is now open at 216 Third Avenue in Chula Vista. Welcome home, Priscilla Curiel!
Have breaking news, exciting scoops, or great stories about new San Diego restaurants or the city’s food scene? Send your pitches to [email protected].
