About

A GLIMPSE INTO WHO WE ARE

The Champion is a cocktail bar and live entertainment venue in Murrieta, owned and operated by Jon Kerber and Emil Gregory. We were voted Best Bar in Murrieta for 2024.

Jon Kerber is a U.S. Navy veteran and retired Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriff. His background runs through racing, auto mechanics, construction, mycology and DJing, and he manages the bar day to day.

Emil Gregory grew up around competition; his grandfather played soccer internationally. He founded The Champion on that standard and shapes the room, the entertainment and the guest experience.

We run a full bar with a premium well, 17 rotating craft taps from Southern California breweries, and wines from Robert Renzoni Vineyards. The kitchen is built around smoked tri-tip sandwiches and bar food that pairs with cocktails and beer.

Our stage hosts DJs, live bands, burlesque and karaoke, and we are the home venue for School of Rock Temecula.

Military, veterans and first responders will always have a seat here.

Explore Our Offerings

Full bar, craft taps, a kitchen and a stage.

17 Craft Taps

Rotating Southern California craft beer, plus canned ciders, hard kombucha and non-alcoholic options.

Bar Food

Smoked tri-tip sandwiches, flatbreads, potato skins, chicken bites and crème brûlée.

Weekly Entertainment

Karaoke Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 7 PM, plus DJs, live bands and burlesque shows.

Meet Our Champions

Get to know the team behind the bar

Founder and owner Emil Gregory in a knit beanie and jacket outdoors by a lake

Emil Gregory

Founder Owner

Founder of The Champion. Emil shapes the room, the entertainment and the guest experience.

Owner and bar manager Jon Kerber smiling outdoors beside a lake and hills

Jon Kerber

Owner

Navy veteran and retired Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriff. Jon manages the bar day to day.

Bartender Tyler Burns seated at the bar in a black cap and t-shirt

Tyler Burns

Bartender

Tyler knows the tap list inside and out and can point you to the right pour.

Book Your Next Private Party

Book the VIP lounge or the entire bar for birthdays, company parties and private shows.