☹️ This is somewhat unexpected and sad news 🙁 We thought 2017 was a really good year for Flying Sauce and attended several well put on events by them, including Avery and Firestone Walker events and of course BeerFeast!
Not sure exactly how Texas Beer legislation affected them as a retailer and would like to hear more about that.
Official Press Release below:
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For more information, contact:
Murray Lace
Obsidian Public Relations
Phone: 870-588-7492
Email: murray@obsidianpr.com
Flying Saucer Draught Emporium in Austin to close Jan. 1
Restaurant set to drain the taps on New Year’s Eve after a decade of selling craft beer
AUSTIN, Texas, Dec. 18, 2017 –Flying Saucer Draught Emporium today announced plans to close its Austin location at 815 W. 47th St. on Jan. 1, at the end of its 10-year lease. Since 2007, Flying Saucer has been a leader in Austin’s vibrant craft beer scene, bringing new brews to the region and educating customers to be smart craft buyers.
“We have had 10 great years in Austin and have met a lot of wonderful beer lovers along the way,” said Keith Schlabs, partner at Flying Saucer. “During that time, we’ve focused on bringing the best beer to Austin, and we’ve shared our knowledge with countless employees and customers, all of whom are very special to us. I hope our faithful Austin Beerknurds will come see us over the next few weeks to help us drain the taps, say goodbye and go out with a bang.”
“The landscape of the restaurant industry is changing rapidly across the nation, and unfortunately, the Texas beer industry was introduced to topsy-turvy legislation, which has harmed our Austin Saucer significantly, as well as hundreds of retailers across the state,” said co-owner of Flying Saucer, Shannon Wynne. “The numbers at our current location just didn’t add up anymore, so we have begun seeking an atmosphere that is more conducive to making a profit. As one of its early tenants, we will miss our neighbors at the Triangle. ”
The Saucer’s affectionately named Beerknurds – members of its U.F.O. Club – will have the opportunity to pick up their hard-earned plates and grab one last brew Saturday, Jan. 6, from 2 to 5 p.m. Those who have not yet reached the 200 beer threshold to earn a plate will be allowed to transfer their progress to another Flying Saucer location of their choice. Beerknurds who earn plates before Dec.31 will still get a plate party at the Austin location.
Until they find a new suitable place to land the Flying Saucer, Austin employees will have the opportunity to move to one of the other 15 locations, including six in Texas. The company will provide support to those who choose to stay in the area as they seek other employment opportunities in craft beer.
“We have trained them well and I have no doubt they will get jobs quickly,” Schlabs said.
About Flying Saucer Draught Emporium
Flying Saucer has been a pioneer on the craft beer scene since Shannon Wynne opened the doors of the original location in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1995. Capt. Keith Schlabs was then the GM and has since become a partner and Beer Guru to hundreds of thousands of Beerknurds around the world. Along with partner Larry Richardson our family-owned beer joint has 16 locations throughout Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina and Missouri. Flying Saucer offers more than 250 beers with a full spectrum of brewing styles handpicked for each unique market. We do not franchise because we want it done right. Learn more at www.beerknurd.com.
