Meet Casey Callahan, San Diego Market Manager of Societe Brewing Company in two Bay Park-adjacent Locations: Old Town and Kearny Mesa!

Thomas sits down with Casey Callahan, the San Diego Market Manager for SOCIETE BREWING COMPANY and they discuss the success of craft beers and microbreweries in San Diego, CA as well as the way to stand out when you have over 150 competitors. Founded in 2012, the mindset that inspired Societe (the name and the beer) is the idea that beer is the world’s greatest social uniter. Societe therefore is a vehicle for bringing people together from all walks of life. Beer by beer, they’re working hard to build their Societe-community. They even have a rally cry– BEER FOLK UNITE!

Why did you choose this profession?

Since I was in college I knew I wanted to either work in the sports or beer/wine industry. It’s funny, when I was still living in Pennsylvania the first job I ever applied to in California was Green Flash Brewing, I remember thinking how cool it would be to live in California and sell awesome beer. The sports opportunity with the Gulls came first which brought me out here 6 years ago, and COVID sort of changed the atmosphere of large sports events at the time. I had known the folks at Societe from an annual charity game we would run called Pucks & Pints, so when I decided to make a career switch they were there to welcome me. It was sort of a second dream realized. Plus, free Pupil IPA is a pretty good incentive!

What drives you to do what you do? What motivates you?

Definitely getting the chance to play in Pucks & Pints event this past year, the event that I helped start with the Gulls four years ago. I had such an involved role developing that event from the hockey side of things, and then years later I’m lacing up my skates and shooting a penalty shot at Pechanga Arena on Gulls Ice in front of 100’s of people while representing our brewery. It was a full circle moment that I couldn’t have dreamed of, really. I had to take a few moments
to let that one soak in afterwards… over a few pints of course!

What is something most people don't know about the business?

Historically, the Spanish missionaries back in the late 1700’s started making sacramental wine at their missions across Southern California, and some records show that they were also growing barley there as well, so the fermentation process wasn’t unfamiliar to folks by the time other European settlers came and started making their own beer. We’ve had commercial breweries in San Diego since 1896 going back to San Diego Brewing Co and Aztec Brewing. It’s always been a hub for brewing, and the climate on the west coast lends itself to
great hop selection from places like the Pacific Northwest and other regions of California.

What would your customers say they love most about your business?

San Diego is a vacation-town out here, so the sunny days definitely help the desire to put down a few pints. Societe Brewing offers a variety of craft beers for any palette . Societe Brewing’s tasting room in Kearny Mesa is an excellent spot to host events and meetings. Our facility holds about 200 people at any given time, and it’s great for networking events and parties. Now, the brewhouse plays great music inside & out and the sounds of beer production might not lend itself to formal presentations, but if it’s a pint and a huddle-up you’re looking for then it’s a fantastic spot!

We have an award-winning food truck in Chacho’s Tacos that serves all kinds of Mexican cuisine, and it’s a great value. As far as events, we’ve hosted Veteran’s Beer Club events, SD Chamber events, Oktoberfest parties and all sorts of business happy hours and networking events as well. We also just opened our second-ever tasting room in Old Town San Diego!

What are your greatest challenges?

As you mentioned, there are over 100 craft breweries in San Diego. As of this year, there’s over 150. There’s so much great beer being made in this city, so naturally there is a crowded market for craft offerings. I believe there are enough bars/restaurants to go around, but you will always be fighting for a spot on the tap tower. It does help to representing some of the best beer in San Diego. It also helps when you’re not just paid to say that, and you actually believe it!

What are your favorite restaurants in the neighborhood?

We have beer at places like Bay Hill Tavern, Fast Times, PB Fish Market, Bay Park Fish Company, Farmer’s Table, High Dive, Dan Diego’s, Luce Kitchen just to name a few. It might be easier to try and name the places that Societe isn’t at!
The Bay Park community as well as San Diego at large, has been great to us and has welcomed us with open arms. We’re fortunate to be in the position that we’re in, and we continue to expand our reach through LA/OC and NorCal each day.

What is something most people don't know about you?

Casey used to be the Group Sales Rep for our San Diego Gulls Hockey Team!

Why do you think it's important for people to shop local?

We believe in supporting the local businesses that provide jobs, products and services to our communities and that contribute to both our economy and the unique vibe of both Bay Park and San Diego County-wide!

What's the best way for people to get in touch with you?

Visit our Kearny Mesa Tasting Room:
8262 Clairemont Mesa Blvd,
San Diego, CA 92111

Coming Soon Tasting Room #2 in Old Town:
2415 San Diego Ave Suite 111,
San Diego, CA 92110

To Reach Casey:

Casey Callahan
San Diego Market Manager
SOCIETE BREWING COMPANY
o: (858)598-5409 c:(619)517-4298
[email protected]

#brewpub #brewery #craftbeer #craftbeerculture

#microbrew #microbrewery #socialize