The craft beer scene in San Diego County has witnessed a unique evolution with the opening of The Lab the region’s first dedicated non-alcoholic brewery and tasting room. Nestled in the heart of San Marcos this innovative establishment is the brainchild of Zane Curtis a man whose personal journey with sobriety has sparked a new way to enjoy the social aspects of beer culture.
Curtis’s venture is not just about offering alcohol-free alternatives it’s about recreating the community and camaraderie that often comes with traditional breweries. The Lab provides a space where people can enjoy the flavors and social atmosphere of a brewery without the alcohol.
The Journey to Sobriety and The Lab
In 2026, after two decades of questioning his relationship with alcohol, Curtis made a life-changing decision to stop drinking. This decision was not easy, and it came with its own set of challenges. About five months into his sobriety, Curtis found himself missing not the alcohol itself, but the flavors and the sense of community that came with drinking.
This longing led Curtis on a seven-month global search for non-alcoholic options that could replicate the experience he missed. His journey culminated in a bold decision: to open a bottle shop that would cater to those looking to drink differently. At the one-year mark of his sobriety, Curtis brought his vision to life with the opening of Monday Morning the business entity behind The Lab.
A Community Hub for Non-Alcoholic Beverages
The Lab is more than just a place to buy non-alcoholic beverages; it’s a community hub designed to recreate the social atmosphere of a traditional brewery. Curtis envisions The Lab as a space where people can come to play pool, enjoy beers on draft, and reconnect with the craft beer culture they might have left behind.
This vision has already started to attract a diverse range of customers. Rita Lafler, a local resident, expressed her excitement about sharing the experience with friends. “We like to share it with our friends. We actually have friends coming over tonight, so we’re going to serve it,” Lafler said, highlighting the social aspect that The Lab aims to foster.
Collaboration and Community Support
The opening of The Lab has been met with enthusiasm from the local community and business leaders. Rick Rungaitis, President of the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce emphasized the importance of community collaboration in supporting small businesses like The Lab.
“You need that collaboration. You need that cooperation from the city, from other businesses, from the community as a whole,” Rungaitis said. This collaborative spirit is evident in the support The Lab has received, reflecting the community’s commitment to fostering innovative and inclusive business ventures.
As The Lab continues to grow, it stands as a testament to the power of personal journeys in driving innovation and community building. Curtis’s story is not just about sobriety; it’s about reimagining the possibilities within the craft beer scene and creating a space where everyone can feel included.
