The Cooler Will Bring Craft Beer to Downtown San Leandro

On November 5, the Board of Zoning Adjustments unanimously approved The Cooler’s application for a Conditional Use Permit to open in Downtown San Leandro. The location, which has been vacant for six years, is 1517 E. 14th Street–tucked between Baskin Robbins and Le Soleil. The project contributes to the activation of Downtown San Leandro, and came with letters of support from both the San Leandro Downtown Association and the San Leandro Improvement Association. The Cooler also contributes to San Leandro’s growing role as a craft beer destination. At the hearing, Nicole Erny a San Leandro resident and Master Cicerone, spoke in favor of the project. Nicole highlighted the rapid growth of the craft beer industry and, more specifically its increasing appeal to young people and women. The message was clear, The Cooler has the potential to make Downtown San Leandro a draw for a wide and growing segment of the population.

The Cooler will be a craft beer tavern offering some draft wines and craft sodas, but with a strong focus on artisan, small-batch beers. The proprietors envision that the tavern will provide 25 draft choices, along with a smaller selection of bottled beers. The Cooler will not have a kitchen, but customers will be welcome to bring food from neighboring restaurants.

The Cooler plans on furnishing several silenced television screens to maintain a sports-friendly atmosphere without being identified as a sports bar.   The target customer is a craft beer enthusiast who might want to stop in after work for a glass or two, enjoy an outing with friends, or purchase a bottle or two to take home.

Construction will begin within a couple months and The Cooler should be open in late-February or early-March.