Smoking Cannon Brewery — Ramona’s only craft beer brewery — has always been about love for the community, promoting live music and, of course, their custom brews, according to its former owners.
The new owners feel the same way.
Eric and Cassandra “Cassie” Goforth, owners of Ramona Radio, closed the purchase on the brewery on May 31 from owners Mike Nelson and Natallie Phillips, longtime partners. The award-winning brewery at 789 Main St., Suite I had been for sale since early March.
Although the Goforths are better known for the local radio station that plays music from local and area musicians, they aren’t unfamiliar with craft beer. Eric Goforth said he’s been a home craft beer brewer himself for many years.
“We have no intention of drastically changing anything,” said Cassie Goforth, adding that the couple plans to keep the brewery’s Civil War and cannon themes. The brewery’s flagship beers are each named after Civil War era cannons.
“We want to grow the business to an ‘awesome’ size — not too big and not too small,” her husband said.
With Nelson and Phillips’ plans to leave town at end of May to begin their retirement adventures and everyone’s busy schedules, there were only about two weeks after the initial offer in April that the couples were able to spend together.
“The best part about Eric and Cassie buying the brewery is that they are all about seeing the community succeed,” Phillips said. “And they wanted to make sure Ramona’s only craft beer brewery stayed in Ramona and stays busy.”
In a fortnight, the Goforths learned about the brewing equipment, all handmade by Nelson and with no manuals.
They’ve also learned brewing techniques for some of the 200 beer and drink recipes, such as ginger soda and root beer, included in the purchase.
Eric said he’s confident that thanks to Nelson’s book of handwritten notes, he will be able to replicate the beers. And with Nelson “on call” as needed, the Goforths feel sure they can manage any brewery-related issues that might arise.
“The excitement is starting to build and it’s starting to feel a little more fun now,” Cassie said.
The Goforths said their immediate goals include growing the business, selecting the beers they want as staples and assembling the right team to help them at the brewery.
They plan to focus on attracting more craft beer lovers not only to Smoking Cannon, but to Ramona.
“We feel the craft beer enthusiasts are an underserved market,” Eric said. “They want to be comfortable. They want a spot that is inviting, where they can sit and relax and enjoy their beers.”
Nelson and Phillips already have a good roster of unique staples, he said. But with Nelson’s help brewing, they’ve already added one more — the TBR American pale ale, named after one of Ramona Radio’s star podcasters and local musician, Travis Billy Ross.
With the brewery considered a beer manufacturer and not a bar, the Goforths don’t plan to add cocktails or wine, although more beer types, such as seltzers or ciders, might be in the offerings.
They also are thinking about adding a taproom and expanding the hours so they are open seven days a week, and opening earlier on weekends when Eric said people were often waiting at the door to be let inside.
Until they hire staff, the Goforths said they will be working at the brewery, with help from Jeffery Cole, Cassie’s brother.
They plan to keep Ramona Radio separate from at the brewery, Eric said, adding that for now, they don’t want to marry the two businesses.
But they intend to continue the musicians’ Open Mic Night and other scheduled performances once their entertainment permit is approved.
“Peter Bidegrain, owner of Reds, Whites & Brews, immediately offered to host the brewery’s Open Mic Night at his establishment until we get our live entertainment permit,” Eric said. “We’re really thankful for that kind of collaboration and friendship from other local businesses.”
The temporary Open Mic “Takeover” will be hosted at Reds, Whites and Brews, 629 Main St., on Fridays from 5:30 until 10 p.m. until the permit process is complete, hopefully in August, he said.
The Goforths said they are looking forward to wherever the road takes them as far as the brewery.
“We have really big shoes to fill. Mike is considered one of the best craft brewers in the business, with more than 100 awards in competitions,” Eric said.
“What Natallie has done to bring people together, between the brewery and embracing the musicians is just fantastic,” Cassie added. “We’re so excited for them both to finally reap the rewards of all their hard work and enjoy their retirement.”
Phillips also put Artistry in Hair, at 780 Main St., which she had owned for 24 years, up for sale. Janelle Clark purchased the salon in late May.
“Hair is my ion; it’s been my world since I first picked up a pair of scissors,” said Clark, a licensed cosmetologist for 19 years. “Now I’m living my dream as the owner of Artistry in Hair. It’s my happy place.”
Clark and her husband moved to Ramona from Texas in 2025 for her husband’s work.
“My goal is to create a luxurious sanctuary where Ramona locals can experience my signature blend of skill and Southern hospitality,” she said.
To celebrate their retirements, Nelson’s 60th birthday, the brewery’s 8-year anniversary and their personal 34-year anniversary, Nelson and Phillips held a noon to midnight celebration at their home on May 18.
“I think both businesses are in great hands, and I couldn’t have chosen anyone better. They are both the perfect fit and I wish them only the best in their new chapter,” Phillips said.
