McKinney joins the Brew City, Texas program, aiming to drive craft beer tourism

McKinney has been named a “craft beer destination,” according to an Aug. 15 news release, marking the city's merger with Brew City, Texas Program.

of the program aims to help cities boost “craft beer tourism,” the release says, supporting hospitality businesses and local brewers.

The details

The program, which launched in March, looks to showcase Texas as a “premier craft beer destination,” according to its website. It is facilitated by the Texas Craft Brewers Guild, a statewide nonprofit trade organization.

The Brew City, Texas program focuses on economic development as a result of craft beer tourism. The state has more than 400 breweries, and craft beer contributes $4.5 billion annually to the state's economy, according to the release. The industry also supports more than 30,000 jobs.

The state still has room for growth in the craft brewing sector, the release said, noting that Texas ranks 47th for breweries per capita.

“The Brew City, Texas program represents an important milestone in the Texas Craft Brewers Guild's efforts to support and elevate the state's craft brewing industry,” said Caroline Wallace, executive director of the Texas Craft Brewers Guild, in the release. “By partnering 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. “

Cities in the program are classified as either a “craft beer destination” or an “emerging scene,” its website says, and 25 cities have joined the program including Cedar Park, Denton, Galveston, Sugar Land and Pearland.

The cities in the program are presented in List Brew City, Texas and have access to promotional materials and other resources provided by the organization.

context

McKinney has two local breweries—Tupps Brewery and Franconia Brewing Company.

Tupps Brewery recently moved into it new larger space in the city center at 402 E. Louisiana St., moving from its previous facility at the McKinney Cotton Mill. The family-friendly brewery spans 4 acres and features a taproom, scratch kitchen and outdoor beer garden.

“We started Tupps 9 years ago in the great city of McKinney and it's been an amazing experience,” Tupps Brewery owner Keith Lewis said in the release. “Since the beginning, the city has been with us to help us grow and welcomed us to participate in all major events and celebrations.”

Franconia Brewing Companylocated at 492 McKinney Parkway, brews German-style beers and offers packaged beer for sale as well as a draft beer served in its tap room. The organization recently shared that it will be moving to a post on it Facebook page. The brewery's new location has not been announced.

McKinney will also soon have another downtown craft beer option. Union Bear Brewing Co. is set to open it new location at the corner of Virginia and Church streets later this year, the release said.

The location will feature a dining room, patio and chef-driven menu. According to the announcement, the restaurant will not brew beer on site, but will offer its own drinks on tap and for purchase from a cooler.

Quote note

“We are excited to join the Brew City, Texas program, a new initiative that helps strengthen our community's economy and tourism efforts through state-level recognition,” Visit McKinney Executive Director Aaron Werner said in the release. . “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.”

Learn more

For more information on the Brew City, Texas program, visit www.texascraftbrewersguild.org/brew-city-texas-program.