“Community support has always been a part of our philosophy,” says Brian Rauso (right) with Co-founder Evan Price at their Orange headquarters and brewery, which hosts bingo nights every second Wednesday—open to the public—with proceeds going to the Orange Chamber Foundation.
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Best Brewery: Green Cheek Beer Company
In a nondescript warehouse tucked away on Batavia Street is Green Cheek Beer Company. What started eight years ago as a two-man operation with Co-founders Brian Rauso and Evan Price, has grown into a thriving enterprise with more than 100 employees across four Southern California locations. The company’s unusual name reflects the founders’ appreciation for local mystery and community connection.
“Green Cheek Parakeets have been in Southern California for a short time, but no one knows where they came from,” Rauso explains. “We wanted something that was unique to the local community but had a bit of myth and lore to it.”
Their philosophy centers on quality over quantity, embodied in their motto: “Better beer not more beer.” This approach drives their small-batch production model, creating three to four new beers weekly, with wines and seltzers adding to their ensemble.
“Evan is the artist—he creates the recipes,” says Rauso. “I am the business guy.”
The brewery has gained recognition for its West Coast IPAs, using specialty hops from New Zealand and Washington. Their Lavender Lemonade Seltzer has achieved success and is now served at Disneyland. Rather than pursuing mass distribution, Green Cheek maintains exclusivity through direct sales and limited restaurant partnerships.
You’re never going to find our beer in a big chain,” Rauso emphasizes. “We want you to taste our fresh beer the way it is meant to be served.”
The company’s apprenticeship approach to brewing reflects its commitment to craft tradition.
“This is old world learning,” Rauso says, noting that former brewers have gone on to prestigious positions at Russian River Brewery or started their own operations.
The Orange location serves as corporate headquarters (and brewery) with their restaurant locations in Sunset Beach, Oceanside and Costa Mesa. Community involvement runs deep in Green Cheek’s business philosophy.
It’s true that you should be a part of how you want your community to be,” says Rauso.
Green Cheek actively supports local organizations, including the Chamber of Commerce, Orange Foundation and various community events.
“I definitely think Green Cheek was recognized in part for their sponsorships, generosity and donations for events within the community—they are well known for it,” says Connie Benson, who serves with Rauso on the Orange Chamber of Commerce Foundation. “And their products are amazing. I think their seltzers are delicious. They are creative with their marketing and just good at what they do.”
Winning “Best in Orange” in the Brewery and Winery category validates their community-focused approach.
“We have always tried to help the Orange community as much as we can,” Rauso says. “Winning this award is a validation of the community looking at us and saying, ‘thank you.’”
Green Cheek Beer Company
2294 North Batavia St., Suite C, Orange, CA 29865 / 714-998-8172
