Mina Desiderio, owner of The Local and a partner in several Social Syndicate venues sited around San Diego, shared that The Local's downtown location has struggled since the COVID-19 pandemic. The financial strain has limited her ability to offer staff raises, prompting the move to a more sustainable space.
Mina, who opened The Local in 2003 with her mother, partnered with Resident Brewing in 2015, investing over $2 million in a remodel that revitalized the space. Resident Brewing, founded by James Langley, Scott Dickson, and Robert Masterson in 2016, operated as an extension of The Local until its closure in January 2025, marking the end of Empress Capital Investments’ hospitality group, which once operated multiple venues like Wokou Ramen and Death By Tequila.
Mina, who opened The Local in 2003 with her mother, partnered with Resident Brewing in 2015, investing over $2 million in a remodel that revitalized the space. Resident Brewing, founded by James Langley, Scott Dickson, and Robert Masterson in 2016, operated as an extension of The Local until its closure in January 2025, marking the end of Empress Capital Investments’ hospitality group, which once operated multiple venues like Wokou Ramen and Death By Tequila.
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| Mina and The Local team |
The one time San Diego-based craft brewery will soon being transforming its new 4th Avenue spaces into a community-driven venue, offering coffee, wine, mixed drinks, donuts, and pizza from morning to night. While the new pub will keep the majority of the brand's popular plant-based menu items, like the munch wrap and smash burger, they will introduce a select range of new flatbreads and sandwiches with meat toppings - all stored and prepared completely separately from the vegan options. In the Resident Brewing facility, Modern Times plans to roast coffee, produce cold brew, and potentially brew a limited amount of beer. Mina will retain a small ownership stake in the 4th Avenue property.
The Local’s new location at the former Bootlegger, which closed earlier this year after a 13 year run, will be a "grown-up version" of its Pacific Beach outpost, which opened in 2014, blending the best food and sports elements of both PB and downtown locations. The bar will feature elevated technology, with lighting designed by world-renowned Steven Lieberman - known for his work with EDC, Coachella, and major nightclubs - and sound by Chicago-based Sound Investment. While maintaining a casual neighborhood bar vibe without bottle service, the space will cater to DJs, live music, sports fans, and downtown regulars, with a relocated bar to enhance functionality.
The Local’s new location at the former Bootlegger, which closed earlier this year after a 13 year run, will be a "grown-up version" of its Pacific Beach outpost, which opened in 2014, blending the best food and sports elements of both PB and downtown locations. The bar will feature elevated technology, with lighting designed by world-renowned Steven Lieberman - known for his work with EDC, Coachella, and major nightclubs - and sound by Chicago-based Sound Investment. While maintaining a casual neighborhood bar vibe without bottle service, the space will cater to DJs, live music, sports fans, and downtown regulars, with a relocated bar to enhance functionality.
Modern Times Pub is expected to open later this year at 410 4th Avenue in Downtown San Diego, with The Local debuting this summer at 804 Market Street in San Diego's East Village. For more information, visit moderntimesbeer.com and thelocalsandiego.com.
