A family-owned Texas craft brewery has poured its final pints after financial pressures forced the business to shut down, marking another closure in the state’s struggling craft beer sector. The brewery joins a growing list of closures nationwide as Americans are drinking less alcohol, forcing a change in the industry altogether.
Family-owned brewery founded in 2019
Bear King Brewing Co. opened in early 2019 in downtown Marble Falls, Texas, founded by brewmaster J.D. Guidry and his three siblings. The brewpub quickly became a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors, offering a lineup of house-brewed beers alongside a food menu and a spacious beer garden with live music and lawn games.
The brewery’s name was inspired by a local legend about a mysterious half-man, half-bear creature said to roam the Marble Falls area centuries ago. The myth helped shape the brand’s identity and storytelling theme throughout the taproom.
During its run, Bear King earned recognition in the craft brewing community, producing a variety of small-batch beers and hosting regular community events at its Avenue G location.
Final day of service in March
Bear King Brewing closed permanently on March 7, 2026, after seven years in business. Owners announced the closure in early March, citing a downturn in the economy, rising operating costs, and ongoing financial challenges that made the business unsustainable.
For its final day, the brewery reopened its doors for a farewell event from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., inviting the community to gather for one last meal and pint. The event featured discounted food, free items for children and special promotions as remaining inventory was cleared out.
Owners also pledged that all food sales and tips from the closing event would go directly to employees.
Award-winning beer before closure
The shutdown came shortly after one of the brewery’s biggest achievements. Bear King’s guava IPA, Misty Lady, won a gold medal at the Texas Craft Brewers Guild’s Brewers Cup competition earlier this year.
Despite the recognition, financial pressures continued to mount for the Hill Country brewery. Rising industry costs and softer consumer demand have created challenges for many small craft breweries across Texas and the U.S.
Bear King’s closure leaves only a handful of breweries operating in Marble Falls, including Double Horn Brewing Co., Save the World Brewing Co. and Downtown Beer Hall.
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