Hangar 24 Craft Brewing: A New Chapter in Riverside
Welcome to a delightful new era of craft beer and live entertainment! Hangar 24 Craft Brewing, the beloved Redlands-based brewery, is set to launch its latest taproom in Riverside’s charming Canyon Crest Towne Centre this spring. This fresh addition to the Hangar 24 family promises to uphold the company’s legacy of quality, innovation, and community spirit. So, let’s raise a glass to the art of brewing and the joy of good company.
A Fond Farewell to the Past
Hangar 24’s new location comes with a rich history, occupying space that once housed Romano’s Canyon Crest. For nearly a quarter of a century, Romano’s served the community as both a restaurant and a beloved concert venue. Hangar 24 will continue this tradition of bringing people together, picking up where Romano’s left off after its closure in June.
Founder Ben Cook shared his vision in an Instagram post, walking viewers through the restaurant’s transformation process. Plans for a “complete, ground-up rebuild” were confirmed by Brandon Montilione, Hangar 24’s director of operations, during a phone interview.
Expanding the Taproom Experience
This new venture marks the fourth taproom opening for Hangar 24, with the original still thriving at its birthplace near Redlands Municipal Airport. Other locations at Lake Havasu Municipal Airport and near John Wayne Airport in Irvine provide unique experiences rooted in Hangar 24’s tradition of high-quality craft beers and a warm, inviting atmosphere.
The Riverside taproom will house a menu reminiscent of Irvine’s, replete with elevated bar food such as burgers, bowls, flatbreads, and shareables like chicken wings and loaded fries—stars in their own right alongside the acclaimed “Bacon Wrapped Corn Dawgs.”
The Craft of Brewing
While the beer will be brewed back in Redlands, Riverside’s taproom will boast its own pilot beer program, featuring small batch and experimental brews. Cook, an airplane pilot, weaves his love for aviation into Hangar 24’s ethos. The brewery’s marketing art and beer cans soar with images of vintage planes, representing the freedom and adventure inherent in both flight and the enjoyment of a well-crafted pint.
Two of Hangar 24’s core products are the Orange Wheat and Betty IPA—favorites that have won hearts in both restaurants and retail stores throughout California and Arizona.
A Melodic Blend: Concerts and Craft Beer
Music enthusiasts will find solace in Hangar 24 Riverside’s diverse music offerings, continuing a long-standing tradition at the Towne Centre. Montilione has expressed an all-inclusive approach to musical genres, conveying that all styles will find a stage at the new location. From ska/pop roots, Romano’s association with the English Beat, to Hangar 24’s affinity for community and culture, the fusion of tunes and brews will resonate well with Riverside’s eclectic audience.
Notably, the spirit of Romano’s Concert Lounge lives on at its new Mission Grove location, with the English Beat scheduled to perform, ensuring the beat goes on in the heart of the city.
Our Community Commitment
Canyon Crest Towne Centre and the surrounding area foster a close-knit community atmosphere that Hangar 24 is proud to be a part of. With Hangar 24’s commitment to quality, culture, and the craft of brewing, the Riverside taproom is not just a place to grab a beer—it’s a destination where memories are made and stories are told. Every visit offers a chance to experience new flavors, laugh with friends, and enjoy the simple pleasures in life.
All are welcome to discover the world of Hangar 24 Craft Brewing, where every detail is curated with our patrons in mind. For more information, please visit hangar24brewing.com and commence your journey into a world where good taste takes flight.
