Stone Founders Repurchased Escondido Bistro Property
Greg Koch and Steve Wagner have reclaimed the facility from Sapporo ahead of its rebranding.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Dining Out
Live Poll
Does the return of original founders to manage a local venue improve the customer experience?
Stone Brewing founders Greg Koch and Steve Wagner have reached an agreement to acquire the Stone World Bistro property in Escondido from current owner Sapporo. The restaurant will serve its final guests under its current name on November 13, 2026, before transitioning to a new independent brand.
Why it matters
The deal follows Sapporo’s decision to divest from the venue, as the bistro no longer aligned with the company’s operational focus after they sold Stone Brewing to Firestone Walker and Duvel Moortgat USA earlier this year. The acquisition allows the original founders to maintain control of the landmark site for a new independent venture.
The Escondido destination covers a total of 57,000 square feet, with the bistro and back-of-house operations occupying 13,500 square feet of that footprint. The location is known for its architectural features, including a glass facade rising between 20 and 30 feet.
The players
Greg Koch
He is a co-founder of Stone Brewing who has now reacquired the restaurant facility in Escondido.
Steve Wagner
He is a co-founder of Stone Brewing who partnered with Greg Koch to reclaim the bistro property.
Sapporo
This global brewing corporation previously owned the Stone World Bistro property before agreeing to the sale.
The details
Greg Koch and Steve Wagner originally launched Stone Brewing in 1996 and opened this Escondido bistro in 2006. The facility will undergo a name change and operational pivot, with the new independent restaurant slated to maintain a strong focus on supporting the craft brewing community.
Timeline
Greg Koch and Steve Wagner launched Stone Brewing in 1996.
The facility in Escondido was built in 2006.
Sapporo acquired the brewery and property in 2022.
Firestone Walker and Duvel Moortgat purchased Stone Brewing in May 2026.
The restaurant will close under its current name on November 13, 2026.
Culture Shift
This move highlights a reversal in the trend of corporate consolidation within the craft beverage sector that gained momentum following the 2022 acquisition of Stone Brewing. By reclaiming the site, the founders are stepping back into the independent space after years of shifting ownership.
Residents and regular visitors to the Escondido facility will see the venue close on November 13 before it eventually reopens under new branding. Patrons can expect the site to continue serving the community with a focus on craft beer despite the shift in management and ownership.
The takeaway
The return of the facility to its original founders suggests a shift back toward independent management for the site. Local diners should look for updates in the coming months regarding the official reopening of the space under its new identity.
Further reading
For more on the local culinary landscape, visit Dining Out.
Source note: This article includes information reported by San Diego Magazine.
Live Poll
Does the return of original founders to manage a local venue improve the customer experience?
