E-Malt.com News article: USA, CA: Malibu Brewing Company announces significant expansions after just three years of business

In just three short years after opening its doors at Trancas Country Market, Malibu Brewing Company is taking a major step forward, announcing two significant expansions: a second brewery and restaurant in Agoura Hills and an exciting new location at Universal CityWalk, The Malibu Times reported on January 8.

For co-owners Jill and Ryan Ahrens, the growth reflects both careful planning and deep community roots, particularly in Malibu, where the brewery first found its footing in September 2022.

“We’re a local, family-owned business,” Ryan Ahrens explained. “And everything we’ve done has been shaped by the community that supported us from the beginning.”

That support became especially evident during Malibu’s most difficult moments. In the aftermath of the Palisades Fire, Malibu Brewing partnered with World Central Kitchen, opening its facility to serve free, fresh meals to residents and first responders when Malibu was cut off from most of the area due to the closure of Pacific Coast Highway. What was initially expected to be a short-term effort stretched into nearly three months as the Ahrens continued meal production even after normal dine-in service resumed.

“It went on much longer than we ever thought it would,” Jill Ahrens said. “But it felt important to keep it going as long as the community needed it.” The effort helped cement Malibu Brewing’s reputation not just as a popular local brewpub, but as a community hub known for serving their own elevated craft beers and delicious food.

As Malibu residents, the Ahrenses say community support continues to help guide their decisions as they expand and that same support goes both ways. Appreciative of the locals who love their business, the brewery regularly gives back through fundraisers and partnerships with local organizations, including the Community Brigade, Malibu Moves, and other Malibu-based nonprofits.

“What we do is for the community,” Jill and Ryan said. “Whenever there’s a chance to support causes that matter here, we step in.”

Now Malibu Brewing is stepping into its next chapter with the acquisition of Ladyface Ale Companie in Agoura Hills. Malibu Brewing is currently renovating the location, transferring licenses, and permitting for its second location, which will operate as Malibu Brewing. “We’ll have the same number of taps that we have in Malibu,” Ryan Ahrens said but,with a brewery on-site in Agoura Hills, “we can make more specialized beers that will be served at all of our locations.” Meanwhile, Jill confirmed the brewpub menu will serve fan-favorite fish tacos along with a new creative menu in a full-service restaurant and bar.

The company hopes to open the Agoura Hills location by late spring to early summer if renovations continue on track. “Permitting all this stuff takes time,” Ryan explained. “We just love the spot. It’s got spectacular views of Ladyface Mountain and it’s one of the oldest breweries in the valley. Then to be able to bring it back to a great community spot for Agoura Hills, doing what we do, is just an opportunity that we really felt made a lot of sense.”

Soon after the Agoura Hills acquisition was announced, perhaps the most surprising move forward is the announcement of a third location of Malibu Brewing to be located at Universal CityWalk in Hollywood. Opening in the popular Southern California entertainment destination will be sure to bring their Malibu brand even wider recognition and growth.

“When they contacted us, we were floored,” Ryan said. “We’re a mom-and-pop, family-owned company. To be on their radar was pretty incredible.”

Negotiations and planning took place over several months as the Ahrens worked with Universal to evaluate the space and determine how Malibu Brewing would fit within CityWalk’s evolving vision.

“It’s an iconic destination,” Ryan said. “We felt what we do aligned really well with what they want to bring to CityWalk.”

While details are still being finalized, the CityWalk location is expected to open sometime in 2026.

Both Ryan and Jill Ahrens noted their company’s success wouldn’t be possible without the local patrons that support it year-round.

“Malibu is an incredibly loyal community,” Ryan stated. “To make it here, you have to be supported by locals — not just tourists.”

At a time when the hospitality and brewery industry continues to face post-pandemic challenges, Malibu Brewing Company stands out as a local success story — one rooted in community engagement, careful growth and staying true to its Malibu origins.

As Jill and Ryan Ahrens prepare to expand beyond the coast, they remain clear about what drives them. “It’s affirming,” they both said. “Knowing that what we do means something to the people we serve — that’s what keeps us going.”


09 January, 2026