McKinney supports craft beer tourism through participation in Brew City, Texas

McKinney, Texas (August 15, 2024) – Visit McKinney proudly announces its participation in the Brew City, Texas program to celebrate the city's reputation as a thriving hub for local craft beer enthusiasts and travelers. As a member of the program, launched by the Texas Craft Brewers Guild in March 2024, McKinney affirms its commitment to promoting craft beer tourism that contributes to economic growth in the hospitality and manufacturing sectors.

“We are excited to join the Brew City Texas program, a new initiative that helps strengthen our community's economy and tourism efforts through statewide recognition,” 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 offers.”

McKinney is home to TUPPS Brewery which outgrew its original location and moved to 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 has been with us to help us grow and welcomed us to participate in all the 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; is a community gathering place that is both family and pet friendly. The new site features a modern brewing operation, a spacious taproom, and an outdoor beer garden that invites visitors to relax and enjoy the local craft beer scene. TUPPS Brewery continues to build its reputation for creating innovative, quality brews while also hosting events ranging from live music to community festivals, further cementing its role as a cornerstone of McKinney's vibrant community life.

Union Bear Brewing Co. will join McKinney's produce scene when its new location opens later this year, two blocks west of the downtown plaza 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 served on the premises, Union Bear beverages will be available to patrons on tap and from a cooler in the back of the restaurant.

With more than 400 breweries calling the Lone Star State home, craft beer contributes $4.5 billion annually to the Texas economy — the third largest of any state — and supports more than 30,000 jobs. However, when it comes to breweries per capita, Texas ranks a distant 47th, highlighting the industry's potential for further growth. Despite the challenges that hospitality businesses have faced in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Texas remains a great state with ample room for artisanal production to expand as the market continues to develop. 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 an important 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 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. “

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 increase economic opportunities for local businesses. Through marketing, education and collaborative 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 and business-friendly environment,” Lewis said. “We look forward to a long and prosperous future here.”

To learn more about the Brew City, Texas program and to view participating cities, visit 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 rated quality of life coupled with a convenient location in the DFW area. The city offers award-winning schools, a vibrant historic center 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 of 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 Association

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, push and defend our collective interests, while calling on our fellow Texans to raise a glass and join us. The Guild's Board of Directors comes from craft breweries in all major metropolitan regions of the state, as well as various types and sizes of beer to represent the nearly 300 members of the Brewery Guild across the state, including operational breweries as well as those in advanced planning stages. The Texas Craft Brewers Guild works to support and elevate the craft beer industry in Texas through initiatives like Texas Brewery Festival, Texas Craft Brewers Cup competition, e Texas Brewery Passport application, Brew City, Texas Program, Texas Brewery Overview educational conference, and more. To learn more about the Texas Craft Brewers Guild visit texascraftbrewersguild.org.