Citrus Heights has its own local brewery for the first time in over a decade

By Sara Beth Williams–
A new local brewery in Citrus Heights finally opened its doors last Thursday.

DarkHeart Brewing, located at Sylvan Corners in a portion of the former Goodwill Industries store that closed last January, cleared fire inspection on Dec 23. After holding a soft opening for a few hours on Monday night, the brewery officially opened the day after Christmas.

DarkHeart owner Cynthia Lee said all brews are made in-house and that the brewery has twenty different taps, including over a dozen beers, plus a nonalcoholic root beer. The brewery has also been able to supply its brews to local restaurants in the region.

“We’re super excited, the local community has absolutely embraced us,” Lee told The Sentinel Friday, adding that she and her husband are “honored” by the warm welcome from the community and city staff.

Economic Development and Community Engagement Director Meghan Huber said DarkHeart Brewing is not the first brewery to exist in Citrus Heights, but it’s “the first time in a long time” since Citrus Heights has had its own local brewery.

“We’re thrilled to see a new chapter of local craft brewing unfolding here!” Huber said, adding that the last brewery in the city that brewed in-house closed at least a decade ago.

According to the company’s social media page, DarkHeart’s hours are Monday through Friday from 4-9 p.m., Saturdays from 2-9 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. The brewery also said it can accommodate groups and open earlier in the afternoon for private events.

Rick and Cynthia Lee originally opened Darkheart Brewing in 2019 in the Foothill Farms neighborhood of Sacramento County, and have now relocated to Citrus Heights. The pirate-themed taproom was a popular place to taste locally brewed beers.

The Citrus Heights City Council unanimously voted to approve an $86,000 Business Attraction Incentive grant in June which went toward assisting the company’s relocation and remodeling efforts.

Currently the new Sylvan Corners location can hold 49 patrons, according to Lee, but Lee hopes to expand space in the warmer months by offering an outdoor patio in the back area. While the venue is smaller than their former location, Lee said this building has a working HVAC system, which their previous location did not have, as well as more available parking than their previous location.

Plans are in the works to offer entertainment such as live music, trivia nights, car shows, and other events, Lee said, adding that the company plans to partner with the SPCA, Shriners Children’s Hospital, and other local and regional partners and organizations.

For New Year’s Eve, DarkHeart Brewing announced on social media an 80’s-themed party featuring a costume contest and a live viewing of the ball drop in Times Square at 9 p.m. 80’s attire is not required, and the gathering is open to the public. Business hours will remain from 4 to 9 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.

DarkHeart Brewing is located at 7110 Auburn Blvd.