(Photo assets can be accessed here.)
[McKinney, TX - August 15, 2024] McKinney proudly announces its participation in the Brew City, Texas program, in celebration of the city’s reputation as a thriving hub for local craft beer enthusiasts and travelers alike. As a member of the program, launched by the Texas Craft Brewers Guild in March 2024, McKinney affirms its dedication to promoting craft beer tourism which contributes to economic growth in the hospitality and manufacturing sectors.
"We're thrilled to join the Brew City Texas program, a new initiative that helps strengthen our community's economy and tourism efforts via recognition at the state level,” said Aaron Werner, Visit McKinney Executive Director. “This designation and partnership underscores McKinney’s commitment to supporting local businesses while inviting visitors to experience the unique flavors and hospitality our city has to offer.”
McKinney is home to TUPPS Brewery which outgrew its original location and moved into its new location adjacent to Historic Downtown McKinney earlier this year.
“We started TUPPS nine years ago in the great city of McKinney and it has been an amazing experience. From the beginning, the city teamed with us to help us grow and welcomed us to participate in all major events and celebrations,” said Keith Lewis, owner of TUPPS Brewery.
The new TUPPS Brewery facility is a vibrant addition to the city's cultural and social landscape and is designed to be more than “just” a brewery; it's a community gathering spot that is both family and pet-friendly. The new site features a state-of-the-art brewing operation, a spacious taproom with scratch kitchen, and an outdoor beer garden that invites visitors to relax and enjoy the local craft beer scene. TUPPS Brewery continues to build on its reputation for creating innovative and quality brews while also hosting various events, from live music to community festivals, further solidifying its role as a cornerstone of McKinney's vibrant community life.
Union Bear Brewing Co. will join McKinney’s brew scene when its new location opens later this year two blocks west of the downtown square at the corner of Virginia and Church streets. With its gourmet chef-driven menu, spacious dining room, and additional patio dining area, Union Bear will add another dimension to McKinney’s entertainment and culinary options. While beer will not be brewed on the premises, Union Bear’s brews will be available to patrons on tap and from a walk-in cooler at the back of the restaurant. (Rendering shown here.)
With more than 400 breweries calling the Lone Star State home, craft beer contributes a staggering $4.5 billion annually to the Texas economy—the third most of any state—and supports more than 30,000 jobs. Still, when it comes to breweries per capita, Texas ranks a distant 47th, underscoring the potential for further industry growth. Despite the challenges hospitality businesses have weathered in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Texas remains a large state with ample room for craft brewing expansion with further market development. As the organization behind the Brew City, Texas program, the Texas Craft Brewers Guild serves as the statewide nonprofit trade association dedicated to advancing the Texas craft brewing industry through advocacy and education.
"The Brew City, Texas program represents a significant milestone in the Texas Craft Brewers Guild’s efforts to support and elevate the state’s craft brewing industry," said Caroline Wallace, TCBG Executive Director. "By collaborating with cities like McKinney who are committed to celebrating the unique culture and flavors of Texas craft beer, we aim to drive tourism, stimulate local economies, and further establish Texas as a world-class beer destination.”
McKinney joins other cities across the state including Boerne, Denton, Dripping Springs, Galveston, and Killeen, united in their mission to showcase the best of Texas craft beer and enhance economic opportunities for local businesses. Through collaborative marketing, education, and outreach efforts with the Brew City, Texas program, McKinney looks forward to continuing to raise the bar for craft beer excellence and welcoming visitors to experience the best of what the city has to offer.
“The City of McKinney fosters a very hands-on, business-friendly environment,” Lewis said. “We are looking forward to a long and prosperous future here.”
To learn more about the Brew City, Texas program and check out participating cities, visit the Texas Craft Brewers Guild website. To explore the local brewery and culinary scene and other attractions in McKinney, explore Visit McKinney’s website.
ABOUT McKINNEY:
As one of the fastest-growing cities in America, McKinney maintains a nationally-acclaimed quality of life coupled with a convenient location to the DFW area. The city offers award-winning schools, a vibrant historic downtown and cultural district, and a trendy culinary scene set within a uniquely beautiful natural setting. McKinney is home to the top-rated McKinney National Airport and serves as the headquarters to many Fortune 500 companies. A balanced way of life, sense of place and authenticity make McKinney “Unique by nature.” To learn more, visit McKinneyTexas.org.
ABOUT THE TEXAS CRAFT BREWERS GUILD:
As a member-driven organization, the Texas Craft Brewers Guild fights for the advancement of independent beer brewed in the Lone Star state. Together, we promote, propel, and protect our collective interests while enlisting our fellow Texans to raise a glass and join us. The Guild’s Board of Directors hail from craft breweries in all the major metropolitan regions of the state, as well as different brewery types and sizes to represent the Guild’s ~300 brewery members throughout the state, including operating breweries, as well as those that are in the advanced planning stages. The Texas Craft Brewers Guild works to support and elevate the Texas craft brewing industry through initiatives like Texas Craft Brewers Festival, the Texas Craft Brewers Cup competition, the Texas Brewery Passport app, the Brew City, Texas program, the Texas Brewery Roundup educational conference, and more. To learn more about the Texas Craft Brewers Guild visit texascraftbrewersguild.org.
