Stone Brewing to close Escondido sites and cut 220 jobs as production shifts out of California

Stone Brewing, a pioneer of California’s craft-beer boom, will shut three of its Escondido locations and ultimately lay off 220 employees as production is transferred to Firestone Walker’s brewery in Paso Robles and Duvel USA’s facility in Kansas City, Missouri. The decision follows the May 15 sale of the Stone brand by Sapporo USA to the two brewers, a deal that excluded the Escondido portfolio. Sapporo USA CEO Zach Keeling said the Escondido sites have not yet yielded a sustainable long-term plan, prompting a phased wind-down that begins with 58 workers on Oct. 19.

Firestone Walker and Duvel USA intend to hire a significant number of former Stone staff for roles in hospitality, sales and marketing. The move reflects ongoing pressures on Southern California’s independent breweries, a trend highlighted by Bumble Bee Foods’ plan to close its Santa Fe Springs tuna plant by 2027, cutting more than 230 jobs. Both companies framed the restructurings as efforts to streamline operations and support affected employees through the transition.