Antelope Valley Brewery Grand Opening: Proof That There Is Something to Do in the AV
For years, Antelope Valley locals have heard the same tired complaint—"There’s nothing to do in the Antelope Valley."
It’s the excuse people give when they spend their weekends driving to Los Angeles for entertainment, craft beer, or live music. It’s the story many of us grew up believing.
But that story is outdated.
A movement has been brewing in the Antelope Valley—one driven by people who love this community and have spent decades making it a place worth staying for. Wineries, breweries, and local events have transformed the AV into more than just a place to live. Now, Antelope Valley Brewery (AVB) is here to prove once and for all that you don’t have to leave town to have a great time.
And the people behind it? They’ve been serving the AV long before they started serving beer.
From Service to Suds: A Brewery Built by Hometown Heroes
The story of Antelope Valley Brewery is about locals who have spent their lives building this community and now want to bring people together over great beer.
The brewery started with Lee Egstrom and Dave Jennings, two longtime AV residents who first met through their shared love of charity work, Harley's, and giving back to their hometown. More than 20 years ago, Ron and Yvette Emard introduced them while volunteering at Thunder on the Lot, the legendary car and bike show that raised funds for over 40 local charities for more than two decades.
Lee and Dave shared more than just a love for charity and motorcycles—they shared a commitment to the Antelope Valley.
Lee, a local business leader, founded AV Web Designs in 1995 and has helped hundreds of local businesses establish themselves online. Under Ron Emard’s mentoring, Lee spent over a two decades serving local non-profits as a philanthropist, volunteer, and a working board member.
In 2022, Lee and his wife, Angela, purchased Antelope Valley Winery, the region’s oldest winery. They spent over a year rebranding and remodeling the local landmark consisting of a 10,500 sf building on 5 acres at the corner of Avenue M and 20th St West.
As if this wasn't enough, in 2023 they began working with their friends Dave and Holly Jennings to bring a new craft beer experience to the AV. Dave, a retired deputy sheriff, who served the AV for 30 years, spent his off-duty time brewing beer, cider, and mead.
Over the years, Dave’s passion for brewing grew, leading him to create hundreds of small-batch brews, collaborating with local breweries like Bravery and Lucky Luke. Now, he’s using his craft to help open the Antelope Valley Brewery, where locals can enjoy what many call some of the best beer in the region—right in their own backyard.
When asked why Dave is so passionate about AVB he is quick to respond, "I've been a fan of the craft brew scene for a long time, and started brewing nearly 20 years ago. Not because I thought I could do it better, but because I love the process. At AVB, we're hoping to add another layer to the locals, brewing up some standard styles, and some styles you may not find at the other breweries. That being said, there's something out there for everyone at any of the local breweries, so drink local and support Independent Craft."
"This community has given us so much," Lee said, "now, we’re giving back in the best way we know how—by creating a place where people can come together, share a drink, and celebrate everything that makes the AV special."
One of the biggest surprises has been the local pride and support from not just their customers, 550 members, and lifelong friends, but also from other local breweries and wineries. Lee gets inspired when he explains "I cannot say enough about how everyone, especially the Avery family, has supported us. The Avery Family represents our community's commitment to the spirit of collaboration overcoming the spirit of competition."
When speaking to Brian Avery one of the owners of Bravery Brewing he said "our biggest competition is not other local breweries, it is the idea that you have to leave the Antelope Valley for the weekend to have a good time."
A Legacy of Giving Back
Before they ever poured their first pint, the founders of AVB were already dedicated to serving the Antelope Valley.
For more than two decades, Lee, Angela, Dave and Holly, played key roles in local charitable efforts, working alongside organizations like Kids Charities events like Thunder on the Lot, AV Boys and Girls Clubs, Sheriff Boosters, LPAC Foundation, Heart4Kids, and many more.
Recently, AVB joined over 100 breweries to brew “We Love LA,” a special beer where all proceeds went to the United Way of Greater Los Angeles’s Wildfire Response to aid wildfire relief efforts.
That commitment to community won’t stop at the brewery doors. AVB plans to host first responder and teacher appreciation nights, charity tap events, and partnerships with local non-profits.
"A great brewery is more than just beer—it’s a gathering place," Dave said. "We want this to be a place where people feel at home, where they can come together, listen to great music, share stories, and make memories. That’s what a real hometown brewery is all about."
Grand Opening: The Community Celebration Begins
The wait is over. This Saturday, March 22, AVB will officially open its doors, and everyone is invited to be part of the next chapter of the Antelope Valley.
The Grand Opening celebration runs from 12 to 8 p.m. and will feature live music, incredible food, and exclusive giveaways.
