Disney’s ongoing effort to bring a new look to Downtown Disney will include a craft brewery, tasting room and restaurant operated by one of the biggest names in the industry: Ballast Point.

When it opens this fall opposite the entrance to the Grand Californian Hotel, the new 7,300-square-foot facility will be Downtown Disney’s first-ever brewery since its 2001 opening. With as many as 100 taps, a three-barrel brewing system, a California comfort food menu and an outdoor beer garden, this will be Ballast Point’s first location in Orange County and seventh in Southern California. An opening date has not yet been announced; construction will start in the spring.

Ballast Point’s beachhead in Orange County is part of a larger plan to make the brand a household name throughout the U.S. and beyond.

“We want to build brand awareness around the country. Only 20 percent of craft beer consumers (in the U.S.) know who we are,” said Marty Birkel, president of Ballast Point Brewing Company. “It’s an opportunity to build greater exposure in a place that draws in people from all over the U.S. and even beyond. It gives us global exposure.”

Ballast Point has begun to expand beyond California’s borders. A new brewery and tasting room opened recently in Daleville, Virginia. Coming soon is a brewery and kitchen in Chicago – its first in the Midwest.

Among craft beer connoisseurs, the idea that Ballast Point is an obscure name might cause a chuckle. It was one of the pioneers of the lively San Diego craft brewing scene when it opened in 1996.

In November, 2015 the beer world took notice when Constellation Brands, one of the world’s largest wine and spirits conglomerates, announced it would acquire Ballast Point for $1 billion. At the time of the purchase it was the second largest brewer in San Diego County and the 17th largest brewery in the country based on sales volume, and its Sculpin IPA is widely available around the country. Ballast Point became the fourth beer brand in Constellation’s portfolio, alongside Corona, Modelo and Pacifico. It represented the company’s first foray into the super-premium beer market.

Ballast Point is “a bit like Disney – an icon in the business,” Birkel said. “It’s been around for 20 years, it’s known for its high-quality products, and it’s always been a great place to work. (Founder) Jack White and his crew have built an amazing company.”

Asked about the rationale for such a major acquisition – financed with a combination of debt and cash – Birkel explained that the brand fit neatly with Constellation’s philosophy. “We want to grow our high-end (brands). The craft beer movement has shown us that people want higher-priced, more flavorful beers. Across the board, there is a move toward higher quality and price. We saw it on the wine side first. We’re at a point now where the (beer) category is still very bullish.”

The Downtown Disney facility isn’t equipped to make large amounts of beer. “We’ll make some stuff that’s exclusive to that outlet,” Birkel said. He added there are no plans to offer other brands of beer from the restaurant’s many taps. It will be all Ballast Point products all the time; the brewery’s main production facilities are nearby in San Diego County.

Although the menu hasn’t been finalized yet, it will include popular dishes from Ballast Point’s other restaurant-tasting rooms such as Baja-style fish tacos and a house-made pretzel with beer mustard. Similar to Ballast Point’s brewing philosophy, the kitchen will source only the best local ingredients, including steroid- and antibiotic-free proteins, line-caught fish and local produce when available.

The food is designed to pair well with Ballast Point beers and even incorporate it in some recipes. Also available: gluten-free and vegetarian options, as well as a children’s menu.