Press Contact: Jennifer McLain Hiramoto, Executive Director, Economic Development
Phone Number: (909) 395-2295
Date: September 27, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City of Ontario
Economic Development Agency
Ontario showcases growth, popularity, and support of brew pubs; see which ones rank among the 10 most desired in the City
The brewery industry is making its presence felt across Ontario, Southern California’s fastest-growing entertainment and dining destination, and a new survey shows just how strong the support is for more local pubs.
More than 700 responses were submitted, ranking Golden Road Brewery, Brewery X, Stone Brewing, Firestone Walker Brewing Co., and Karl Strauss Brewing Co. as Ontario’s Top 5 most desired breweries. Rounding out the Top 10 Most Wanted: Ballast Point, Lagunitas Brewing Co., Monkish Brewing Co., Hangar 24 Craft Brewing, and Hamilton Family Brewing.
The survey is part of the new Tap into Ontario campaign, designed to attract more breweries to the City’s vibrant entertainment scene. As part of this initiative, Ontario’s Economic Development Agency has been actively involved in key brewery circles, including the California Craft Brewers Association and the 2023 Mammoth Festival of Beers. Alongside, they have designed print and digital marketing campaigns. Their recently launched webpage highlights available business opportunities and incentives. These include forgivable loans of up to $10,000 for eligible downtown lessees to purchase brewery or restaurant equipment and grants of up to $25,000 for qualified businesses through the Downtown Facade Improvement Program.
Most of the breweries listed on the survey hail from Los Angeles and Orange County and are yet to establish a foothold in the Inland Empire. Ontario’s emerging entertainment sector presents a gap for quality post-event restaurants and drinkeries. With a territory of 50 square miles, a population well over 182,000, an 11,000-seat arena, a convention center, numerous hotels, and an international airport, there is a demanding thirst for premium beer.
Officials recognize the community’s desire and believe there is ample room for business expansion. With various communities in the City, staff is confident there is a retail trade area in Ontario that can sustain the business selections made by the community.
“Ontario is dedicated to creating a welcoming business environment for breweries looking to locate in the City,” said Jennifer McLain Hiramoto, Executive Director of Ontario’s Economic Development Agency. “We understand the importance of fostering a thriving craft beer industry and have established zoning policies that support the establishment and growth of breweries.”
In addition to Downtown, brewery-friendly zoning is available in the Toyota Arena District and Ontario Ranch, the largest master-planned community in Southern California. New entrants to the Ontario brewing scene will be in good company. To date, Ontario is home to Strum Brewery, Brew Haven, and Brewery X at the Ontario International Airport. Upcoming additions include Left Coast Brewing at Lewis Collection’s new development at 4th and Haven, and Metabolic Brewing at 1609 S. Grove Ave.
City officials are strategizing their findings to attract the businesses the community desires. Director Hiramoto is optimistic about finding locations for these breweries in Ontario.
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About the City of Ontario
The City of Ontario is enhancing the quality-of-life by creating urban lifestyle districts that create sustainable places to live, work and play. Located just east of Los Angeles and Orange counties, the City of Ontario is ideally situated as a gateway to Southern California, and is home to more than 185,000 people. With major freeways, rail transportation and an International Airport, Ontario invites the rest of the world to be a part of a culturally diverse community with rich history that is well positioned for quality development and economic sustainability for its residents. Complementing its business and residential core, Ontario offers premium entertainment venues such as the Ontario Convention Center, Toyota Arena, and Ontario Mills. To learn more about the City of Ontario, visit OntarioCA.gov [u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net] or call (909) 395-2000.