Founded with a mission to celebrate and share border culture, Border X Brewing has become more than just a brewery; it has become a community hub. The craft brewery originally opened in 2014 a mile from the U.S.-Mexico border crossing in Otay Mesa before relocating a few months later to Barrio Logan. Owned by David Favela, the company eventually helped launch San Diego's first all-female led brewery, Mujeres Brew House, also in Barrio Logan. In 2019, Border X opened a 7,000 square-foot brewpub in Southeast Los Angeles, but that branch reportedly closed last year.
Border X Brewing was among the original establishments on Logan Avenue to embrace and promote Latinx culture through beer, art, music, and events. The brewery played a key role in fostering a sense of unity among local businesses, many of which are small, women-owned operations. Over the years, Border X's success was shared by the entire community, culminating in a James Beard nomination for Outstanding Wine, Spirits or Beer Producer that felt like a win for the whole community.
However, like many local businesses, Border X Brewing was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The brewery was hit hard by mandatory closures in 2020. Despite hopes for a swift economic recovery, the post-pandemic rebound has been unpredictable, leaving Border X and many others in a precarious financial position.
"Our lease is up at the end of December and we may not be able to stay, although we would like to," continued the announcement. "We have financial burdens that make it nearly impossible. Our story is similar to many businesses that survived COVID and fought to succeed. The forced shutdown of all three of our breweries in late 2020 created huge debt, which we still carry. The recovery that all of us hoped for has been sporadic and unpredictable, making it impossible to recover."
With their lease up for renewal at the end of December, Border X now faces the possibility of losing its space in Barrio Logan due to financial constraints. The brewery has expressed a strong desire to stay in the community but may be forced to move if an agreement with the landlord cannot be reached. Should relocation become necessary, Border X hopes to remain in Barrio Logan to continue supporting and collaborating with local artists, musicians, and small business owners.
With their lease up for renewal at the end of December, Border X now faces the possibility of losing its space in Barrio Logan due to financial constraints. The brewery has expressed a strong desire to stay in the community but may be forced to move if an agreement with the landlord cannot be reached. Should relocation become necessary, Border X hopes to remain in Barrio Logan to continue supporting and collaborating with local artists, musicians, and small business owners.
"If we cannot come to agreement with the landlord, we may need to transition Border X Brewing to another location, ideally in Barrio Logan where we can continue to partner with our community," the announcement read. "We believe in our barrio. Our vision is unwavering: we created a beautiful space and invited the Barrio to fill it with art, music and culture, and they did! This isn't about Border X Brewing, we are simply a showcase for what was already here in this historic barrio."
The struggles faced by Border X Brewing are not isolated within Barrio Logan but part of a broader challenge to preserve the cultural and historical fabric of the neighborhood. The area, a vibrant hub of Latino culture since its subdivision in 1881, has seen several beloved establishments close their doors in recent years. Among the most notable losses is La Bodega, a cherished cultural museum and gallery that served as a cornerstone of the community’s artistic and cultural expression before being shuttered during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In June of this year, the neighborhood also bid farewell to Salud, a popular eatery that had been a staple in the community for nearly a decade. Known for its delicious tacos and vibrant atmosphere, Salud's closure marked another cultural loss for Barrio Logan. Public records reveal that financial difficulties, including three separate holds on the restaurant’s liquor license due to unpaid taxes dating back to 2020, contributed to its demise.
Even historic icons are not immune to the mounting financial pressures. Las Cuatro Milpas, a legendary taco shop with nearly a century of history in the neighborhood, now faces an approximate $50,000 property tax bill that could result in a property tax auction. Even though their normal lines have tripled since news broke, the risk of their impending closure is still there. The struggles of these establishments underscore the fragility of small businesses in a community that has long been a beacon of Latino culture in San Diego.
To help cover their financial needs and remain in their current location, Border X Brewing has launched a GoFundMe campaign. The brewery is inviting the community to contribute or to show support by visiting the brewery for a beer, taco, or even booking a holiday party. Border X hopes that through community support, it can overcome these challenges and continue serving as a vibrant center for culture, diversity, and inclusion in Barrio Logan.
For those interested in supporting Border X Brewing, contributions can be made through their GoFundMe page linked on their Instagram bio, or by visiting the brewery directly at 2181 Logan Avenue in San Diego's Barrio Logan neighborhood. For more information, visit borderxbrewing.com.
Originally published on November 15, 2024.
