Karl Strauss Brewing opened in Temecula, Calif.

Karl Strauss Brewing Co. announced its expansion into the Inland Empire, with a new brewery restaurant opening in the gateway city of Temecula, Calif. This marks Karl Strauss’ first brewery restaurant in Riverside County, where the company’s beer sales have been achieving double-digit sales growth year over year. Karl Strauss currently distributes to approximately 1,000 on- and off-premise accounts in the greater Inland Empire, with sales expected to significantly increase in 2014.

“The craft beer scene in Temecula is taking off, and we’ve seen that reflect in our beer sales,” said Paul Segura, brewmaster at Karl Strauss Brewing. “We are excited to share our innovative lineup of beers with thirsty fans at our new brewery restaurant and expanding retail accounts.”

The new brewery restaurant features a custom-built 7-barrel (bbl) JV Northwest system, two-vessel brewhouse, 14-bbl fermenter and two 14-bbl bright tanks.

“We know the locals like their hops, so we’re kicking off our tank-tap program with Rasta Red, a bold, hoppy red ale,” Segura said. “The custom-built concrete bar features 12 taps of Karl Strauss’ handcrafted beers, including pioneering favorites like Wreck Alley Imperial Stout, award-winning Red Trolley Ale and Tower 10 IPA. There will also be several taps dedicated to special releases and tank-tap beers brewed on-site.”

In addition to being part of Temecula’s thriving craft beer scene, Karl Strauss Brewing is proud to support local causes important to the community. Prior to opening, Karl Strauss partnered with Temecula nonprofit, Bike 365, to raise awareness for improved bike paths throughout the city. Karl Strauss donated all tips raised during its soft-opening, totaling $9,166 to help Bike 365 further its mission.