RAND RAPIDS, Mich. (November 19, 2025) — City Built Brewing Co. announced today that Los Mariscos de Pancho, one of West Michigan’s most beloved destinations for Mexican seafood and birria, will take over the brewery’s kitchen beginning December 9, 2025. The transition marks a new chapter for City Built’s culinary program and will close the brewery’s in-house kitchen on November 23. Since opening in 2017, City Built Brewing has become known for fostering community and cultural experiences through both its beverage and food programs.
In the years following the pandemic, the brewery’s kitchen evolved several times, including the launch of the Creole-inspired Li Grand Zombi concept and later the full Zombi Kitchen menu. These creative pivots, along with collaborations with local food trucks, helped City Built navigate industry challenges and inspired the ongoing tradition of Food Truck Monday, where a rotating food truck serves guests each Monday while the kitchen is closed. This tradition will continue after Los Mariscos begins service. “We’ve tried everything to keep our kitchen thriving,” said Edwin Collazo, Founder of City Built Brewing. “Pop-ups, pivots, new menus, new concepts—we were constantly searching for what could work long term. After the most recent chapter wrapped earlier this year, my wife, Sweet K, stepped back into the kitchen to help keep things moving. She carried a tremendous amount of weight, and we knew it was time to find a partner instead of another pivot. Los Mariscos is that perfect fit.”
Los Mariscos de Pancho was founded in 2019 by Pancho and Vanessa Sanchez, who began cooking and delivering Mexican seafood, birria, and family-rooted recipes from their studio apartment. Their now-famous quesa-birria quickly developed a passionate following, leading to their brick-and-mortar restaurant on Leonard Street. Today, the brand is known for its bold coastal flavors, authentic recipes, and community-centered approach to hospitality. “Cooking has always been in our family,” said Pancho. “We built Los Mariscos tray by tray, delivery by delivery. To bring our flavors into City Built’s taproom feels like a new level—not just for us, but for our community.” Vanessa added, “We want people to taste something new and feel at home at the same time. We’re proud, excited, and ready to grow.”
Beginning December 9, guests will enjoy Los Mariscos’ full menu inside City Built’s taproom, including their Mexican seafood offerings and signature birria dishes. The brewery’s taproom will continue to operate exactly as it does today with separate food and drink menus but a unified, seamless ordering experience. New exterior signage will reflect the partnership, and Los Mariscos’ original location at 1358 Leonard St NW will remain open and operate as normal. City Built’s Puerto Rican-inspired dishes may return occasionally as special features. City Built will now focus its resources on advancing its innovative beverage program—led by Patrick Lynch, Head of Brewing Operations, and supported by Brewer Sydney Cannarozzi—which includes beer, cocktails, cider, wine, hard seltzer, and zero-proof offerings. “Patrick makes it all happen,” Collazo said. “His leadership is pushing our beverage program forward, and this transition lets us put even more energy into its future growth.” The taproom will also introduce a reinvented Mug Club program in 2026. “This gives us room to breathe,” Edwin added. “To care for our health, our parents, and our team. It lets us focus on what we truly do best. And honestly, I’m excited to have my wife back.” Both teams view this partnership as a reflection of community, collaboration, and cultural expression in Grand Rapids.
“Two cultures with great flavors coming together—it feels promising,” Pancho said. “Our customers will love the experience, and City Built guests will get something totally new.” Edwin agreed, adding, “We’ve always said we’re a place where cultures collide. This partnership is exactly that.” Media Assets available here Requests: Steph Harding – marketing@citybuiltbrewing.com About City Built Brewing Founded in 2017, City Built Brewing is more than just a brewery—it’s a place where cultures collide, flavors fuse, and great beer meets even better company. Located in the heart of Grand Rapids, City Built specializes in crafting unique, boundary-pushing beer alongside a menu inspired by Puerto Rican flavors and beyond. With a deep commitment to community, creativity, and collaboration, City Built continues to carve out its place as one of Michigan’s most exciting breweries. Follow on social media @citybuiltbrewing About Los Mariscos de Pancho Founded in 2019, Los Mariscos de Pancho has quickly become one of West Michigan’s favorite destinations for Mexican seafood and birria. What began as a family-run operation delivering trays from a studio apartment has grown into a beloved local restaurant with a loyal community following.
Known for bold coastal flavors, authentic recipes, and heartfelt hospitality, Los Mariscos continues to share its culture through food that is vibrant, memorable, and made with orgullo. Follow on social media @losmariscosdepancho
