Following its closure last year, former Beachwood master brewer Ian McCall celebrated the full-circle moment of opening his own brewery, ISM Brewing, in the same space where he first found a love for brewing back in 2013.
“It’s a homecoming to be a part of the growth of craft beer and share in the love and passion that was once in this location,” Mcall said.
His sentiments were echoed by locals who attended ISM’s grand opening on Thursday.
With events like Live Music Fridays and weekend brunch, residents who live nearby are happy to see the reactivation of the Promenade in downtown Long Beach as new life is breathed into the space.
In addition to being a family-owned and operated establishment, ISM Brewing offers a chef-driven, elevated food concept curated by executive chef Fonzy DeZuniga.
One such item is the tri-tip sandwich, made with a smoked and coffee-rubbed tri-tip served on toasted ciabatta and topped with chimichurri, swiss cheese, corn succotash, and a chipotle aioli sauce.
“Beer, food… everything we’re doing is for the community,” McCall said. “That’s the way it has to be.”
ISM offers a “Local’s Lunch” special Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. serving up your choice of beer along with a salad, sandwich, or wings with a side of fries for $15.
On Wednesdays, their juicy wings are just 1 dollar a piece with flavor options like their sticky, sweet and tangy BBQ sauce or their Tatanka (buffalo) sauce.
In addition to a well-thought-out food menu, McCall says ISM prides itself on brewing clean approachable beers, like their Interloper, a crisp pilsner made for kicking back on their patio.
Typically used as a suffix, “ism” denotes a belief or movement (It also happens to be McCall’s initials).
During their grand opening celebration, it was clear that McCall’s beliefs in good beer and community building are at the center of his new venture.
“I feel like every brewer, from home brewers to working professionals, has this dream,” McCall said of opening his brewery. “We’ve got big shoes to fill but my passion and love will always be what drives me.”
In the moments leading up to the ribbon-cutting ceremony, McCall’s mom, Nancy welled with pride.
“I’m just so happy,” she said, fighting back tears.
McCall was also joined by his wife, Lisa, and their two children during the grand opening embodying the essence of ISM Brewery: Family, Friends, and Fresh Beer.
For more information on ISM Brewing, visit them on the web: https://ism.beer/
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