Black Star Co-op Announces Closure
Located at 7020 Easy Wind Dr., Ste. 100
After fourteen years of serving craft beer as the first the world’s first cooperatively owned and worker self-managed brewpub, Black Star Co-op Pub & Brewery has announced it’s closure effective Sunday January 12, after regular business hours. The announcement was made public on social media and privately earlier this week to member owners, with a notice currently posted on its website.
While specific reasons for the closure have not been provided, in a statement to members, Black Star’s leadership highlighted the difficulty of maintaining financial sustainability while staying true to their cooperative principles.
Founded in 2010, Black Star Co-op was a trailblazer in more ways than one. Its cooperative ownership model, where community members purchased shares and had a say in the pub’s operations, was a pioneering concept in the brewing world. Its worker self-management model also set it apart, offering a living wage, workplace equity and collaboration.
Black Star’s closing leaves a void in the Austin beer scene, but its legacy will undoubtedly live on. As the community says goodbye, it’s an opportunity to reflect on the importance of supporting local businesses.
Head to Black Star today through Sunday to raise a glass to a pioneer, a community gathering place, and a cornerstone of Austin’s craft beer community.
