November 20, 2025
Founder of San Pedro Brewing Co. and Port Town Brewing Company restaurateur, James Brown, tells the story of how his parents met in Massachusetts and before moving to California resided in France; and his mother’s taking cooking class at La Verenne in Paris launched her catering business and his working with her inspired his future career
James was born in Concord, Massachusetts, one of six children (five girls, one boy) of Frank and Pat Brown. His (late) father was from Brookline (suburb of Boston) and attended Boston University.
His dad was in ROTC Air Force and served in Korean war. His mother Pat haled from Brooklyn, New York. His parents met at the Officers Club while he was in the service and she a typist for Warner Brothers.
In 1969 the family moved to California and his dad attended graduate school at the University of Southern California (USC) film school. Mr. Brown inquired where best school system was and located the family in Palos Verdes (PV).
James attended PV schools from Silver Spur elementary to Rolling Hills High School. Growing up his mother had a catering business and he worked in the kitchen, which he loathed and ironic he’s now immersed in catering business.
As a youth he was always involved in YMCA camps and programs such as Youth In Government. He continued his higher education University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). He’s very active in the San Pedro community, loves sports, gregarious and buoyant, and enjoys producing and drinking beer!
James mother Pat turned 90 in September and is active and vital. He’s devoted son and gets her out to many activities. She’s delightful!