In 1983, Barbara Groom found herself unfulfilled as a pharmacist. During a drive through Mendocino County, she noticed a sign for a craft brewery. Located in a brick building in Hopland, it was Mendocino Brewing Co., California’s first brewpub selling its own craft beer. This visit inspired Groom to change her career path.
By 1990, Groom established Lost Coast Brewery in Humboldt County, becoming a pioneer as one of the first female microbrewery owners in the United States. Her brewery thrived, winning national awards and earning her the title “craft beer’s original female gangster” from Hop Culture magazine.
Lost Coast Brewery has grown significantly since its inception. The original location in Eureka expanded to include a 75,000-square-foot facility, with the capacity to fill 1,400 kegs daily. At nearly 80 years old, Groom has decided to sell the brewery, seeking a younger successor with robust energy to continue its legacy.
A Transformative Discovery
Groom, originally from Stockton and skilled in various trades, found her passion unexpectedly. She experimented with skiing, Avon sales, and even furniture making, but none of these pursuits satisfied her. The turning point came after her visit to the Hopland brewery. She diligently studied brewing methods and equipment, paving her path from pharmaceuticals to brewing.
She selected a century-old former lodge in Eureka as the site for Lost Coast Brewery, launching with a female partner. Initial years were challenging with few visitors, but creative marketing, like offering free chicken wings, gradually attracted customers.
Facing Industry Challenges
As Groom plans for retirement, the craft brewery landscape presents hurdles. Industry data from the Brewers Association indicates closures have outpaced openings due to financial strains and changes in consumer behavior. In California, nearly 50 craft breweries closed between 2023 and the previous year.
Groom hopes to find a dedicated individual passionate about running Lost Coast Brewery. Despite industry obstacles, her pioneering spirit ensures the brewery’s legacy endures.
A Remarkable Career
Groom’s contributions to craft brewing haven’t gone unnoticed. Despite her untraditional path, she consistently defied stereotypes, managing equipment and overseeing operations independently. Her quip, “A woman’s wort is never done,” embodies her determination and achievements.
In retirement, Groom plans to pursue her love for travel and photography in diverse destinations such as Iceland and Azerbaijan. Her story remains an inspiring testament to pursuing passion and breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated industries.