New Lompoc brewery finally opens for business after long pandemic-related delays

LOMPOC, Calif. -- After more than two years of delays related to the pandemic, Coast Coast Brewery Company is finally open for business.

The brewery held its grand opening last Friday, marking the culmination of years of hard work by four Lompoc friends, David Caro, Eric Oviatt, Jason Drew, Michael Lamping and Jason Drew.

"Best feeling that I've had," said Lamping. "That long road that we've had from inception to opening the doors, it felt really good. It's something that we worked at, a lot of blood, sweat and tears."

The name Cold Coast derives not from the often chilly weather in Lompoc, but is actually an acronym using the first letter in the last name of each of the partners.

Located inside the historic site of the former Moore’s Department Store, the brewery is in the heart of downtown Lompoc at the busy intersection of H Street and Ocean Avenue.

The friends had originally planned to open for business right before the pandemic, but when it hit, a myriad of issues followed, pushing their timeline back until now.

"Supply chain issues, staffing issues, trying to get our plans sent to the city, issues with architects, the cost of building materials going up so much," explained Lamping.

Last month, the brewery held a soft opening, which was followed by a ribbon cutting ceremony last week and official grand opening.

Oviatt said the building was packed and business so far has been great.

"We've gotten a little bit more business than we've actually planned for, so on our busy nights, we have our family coming in and helping us wash dishes and clean and everything else," said Oviatt. "We're all working as a tribe to keep this place running."

He added there's hope the opening of the brewery will lead to a business resurgence throughout the entire city.

"That's our ultimate goal is to help revitalize old town Lompoc, but all of Lompoc," said Oviatt. "We have a lot of empty storefronts here in Lompoc and we'd love to see them filled again and revitalize and get people excited about the community again."

Cold Coast Brewery is open seven days a week, Monday-Friday from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. and on weekends from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.

For more information about Cold Coast Brewing Company, click here.