John Heylin, a former Peace Corps volunteer and entrepreneur who lives up the road in Canyon, will be opening Lamorinda Taphouse in early February in Lafayette. He sees potential in Castro Valley and has been exploring sites here as well.

“The reason I’m looking at opening a spot in Castro Valley is because I have had more than a few friends move or look to move to Castro Valley,” Heylin said. “As a result, I’ve driven through town a few times and it’s a place that’s always been stuck in my head as a happening place. You got great schools, BART, a nice downtown corridor, and lots of outdoor activities. How could you not want to be a part of this place?”

Heylin wants to open a family-friendly beer garden. “Laid back, staff used to dealing with babies throwing food all over the ground and not making the parents feel guilty about the mess,” he said. “As someone with a one year old and a four year old I crave spots like this.” It would feature about 40 taps and feature craft beer.

Ashley Strasburg, Interim Executive Director of the Castro Valley/Eden Area Chamber of Commerce  commends Heylin for seeing potential in Castro Valley. “We are so excited when any new business plans to open in Castro Valley especially a business that will be so unique and encourages people to socialize in our downtown,” Strasburg said. “Beginning conversations with the county have been positive and we are looking forward to helping with the next steps of moving a new business into Castro Valley.”