Support Your Local Craft Breweries: A Call to Action

In the heart of South Central Texas, the local craft beer scene is facing unprecedented challenges. As a barback at a local brewery, I’ve witnessed firsthand the struggles that independent breweries are encountering each day. Without the cushion of a corporate backing, many of these small businesses are on the brink of permanent closure, threatening the vibrant communities, unique recipes, and jobs they have nurtured over the years.

Our brewery, which has been serving the community since 2011, has cultivated a loyal customer base that cherishes our expansive biergarten and live music events. Unfortunately, the pandemic has forced us to pivot to a takeout-only model, leading to a significant decline in sales. Regular customers who once filled our space are now staying away, hesitant to place to-go orders.

When the state allowed bars to reopen, our brewery invested heavily in protocols for safety, including hiring additional staff and enhancing sanitation measures. Regrettably, within just a week, we faced another shutdown caused by the reckless behavior of some venues that didn’t prioritize the health of their patrons. This situation has left us—those who complied with regulations—struggling even harder under a mountain of debt while others seemingly evade the fallout.

The reality is that our takeout sales simply do not compare to the profits generated from customers enjoying draft beer on-site. The costs associated with packaging and staffing for to-go orders are steep, leading many small breweries to lose ground against the distribution powerhouses of the beer industry.

So, I urge you, please support your local craft breweries. Take a moment to discover their hours and visit them for your weekly—or even daily—supply of beer. Bring along a growler, buy a crowler, or simply purchase a six-pack. Every purchase, no matter how small, makes a significant difference during these trying times.

While it may be easier to grab a six-pack from a mass-produced brewery, investing in your local craft beer means nurturing the people behind the scenes. It allows the owners to pay their bills, helps bar staff maintain their livelihoods, and enables the passionate brewers who embody the spirit of American craft beer to continue innovating and sharing their love with you.

Let’s come together to sustain the communities that breweries have built and keep our local taps flowing. Thank you for your support. Cheers!