Union Bear expands its pawprint to McKinney

Photos © Brian Brown/Beer in Big D.

Union Bear Brewing Co. is now open at 308 W. Virginia St. in McKinney, as the brewpub brand operated by 33 Restaurant Group has expanded operations to a third location set just a block or so back from the city's downtown square.

So, what's the new place like? Well, it's a lot like Union Bear, of course. Indeed, if you've been to either the Denton or Plano outpost, you've already got a good idea of what to expect in terms of the look and decor. The primary difference being that McKinney is a restaurant only in terms of operations, as no brewing activity takes place on site.

Even so, visitors will still be able to enjoy a wide variety of Union Bear beers. According to Coty Bell, director of brewing operations, "McKinney will get the best of both worlds with our favorite beers from our Denton and Plano breweries." In other words, standards like the brewpub's Blonde, Amber and Mexican Style Lager will be on tap regularly, with specialties from the production locales mixed into a daily lineup of up to 20 draft beers.

As for dining in, there are a few adjustments to the food menu compared to other locations as well. There's the familiar range of sandwiches, snacks and greens, but in McKinney they plate Sicilian-style bar pizzas (as opposed to flabreads in Plano, and hand-stretched pies in Denton), and you'll also find a wider selection of "Plates" (i.e. higher-end entrees) to choose from.

Then amenity-wise, there's a full bar serving cocktails and spirits, and if there's a game on, it'll surely be shown on one of more than a dozen flatscreen TVs. The main draw, though, may ultimately be the ambiance of the patio space, which runs fully along the east elevation. Most of it is covered, but there's a smaller, uncovered area with turf set aside for patrons and their pooches.

Oh, and let's not forget about the dedicated parking lot. It's limited to maybe 20 spots combined on the left and right side of the restaurant, but let's be honest, any sort of parking allotment is a welcome addition considering the urban address.

Union Bear McKinney offers service six days a week, with hours starting at 11 a.m. from Tuesday through Sunday.

Meddlesome Moth set for final run in Dallas

Photos: Raynor Brumfield.

Plans are now in place for the Meddlesome Moth's final days, as it completes an iconic 15-year run as one of the top craft beer destinations in Dallas and all of North Texas. After a series of special events, the Moth will close on Thursday, May 22.

In 2010, Shannon Wynne and Keith Schlabs (founders of sibling concepts Flying Saucer and Rodeo Goat) debuted the Moth in the former Ann Sacks Tile Showroom as the first restaurant in the developing Dallas Design District. For its decor, a trio of oversized stained glass windows depicting Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry and Elvis were reclaimed from Hard Rock Cafe - Dallas and restored to perfection, quickly defining the eatery along with its extensive selection of craft beers and brasserie offerings (these will change hands by way a private sale through Heritage Auctions).

Also of note, the Moth hosted some of the greatest names in craft beer culture during its time in Dallas, including Adam Avery (founder, Avery Brewing Co. of Colorado), Ken Grossman (founder, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. of California) and James Beard award-winner Garrett Oliver (brewmaster, Brooklyn Brewery of New York). Plus, in 2012, Stephen Beaumont, author of The World Atlas of Beer, named Meddlesome Moth as one of his favorite beer destinations in the world.

As for the remaining events, the Moth will celebrate its 15th and final anniversary during April Ale Week from April 20-25. According to a press release, a series of “Meet the Brewer” happy hours will occur from 4-7 p.m., with local Dallas favorites Celestial Beer Works (4/21), Manhattan Project Beer Co. (4/23) and Peticolas Brewing Co. (4/25).

A final Bon Voyage Brunch will then take place on Saturday, May 17, featuring brunch specials with a yacht rock theme. Reservations on OpenTable are highly recommended.

Rahr & Sons on the hunt for a new haunt

Photo © Brian Brown/Beer in Big D.

After more than 20 years of making beer at 701 Galveston Ave. in Fort Worth, Rahr & Sons Brewing Co. has announced plans to end operations there in preparation for a move to a new home.

According to a social media post, the "goals for the future of Rahr Brewing have surpassed the capabilities of [the] current location." Up until now, the company has operated in an industrial space encompassing more than 30,000 square feet. As for the future, a new site has yet to be identified, but it's believed the preference is for the brewery to remain in Fort Worth.

Regarding production during the coming downtime, further comments promise it will continue and that "Rahr beers will still be brewed by [the] same talented brewers in Fort Worth." In fact, licensing records suggest Rahr & Sons will be tapping into available capacity by way of an alternating proprietorship at a neighboring brewery just two miles away.

"We are so grateful for all the memories, the laughter, and all of the life events we’ve shared together at the brewery. As we begin this exciting journey to find a new location, please be assured that our brewing and the availability of your favorite Rahr beers in restaurants, bars and stores will remain uninterrupted."

The current taproom will remain open for roughly another month, with the final day of business on Galveston Ave. set for Saturday, May 17.

Oak Highlands relocating brewery to Richardson

Image credits: Oak Highlands Brewery, City of Richardson.

As the company approaches its 10th anniversary in North Texas, Oak Highlands Brewery (OHB) has announced plans to move operations to Richardson.

Last week, Oak Highlands signed a lease on the existing space at 500 Lockwood Dr., which sets up just off the northwest corner of Central Expressway and Beltline Rd. in Richardson's Core District. This spot should be familiar, since it was originally home to Happy Hippie Brewing Co.

So, what's the motivation behind the move?

According to a press release, Oak Highlands has enjoyed many years of success in the Lake Highlands area of Dallas, but "this opportunity allows OHB to move from an industrial park into a high-traffic retail area that is still a convenient drive for our loyal beer enthusiasts, while also creating outstanding exposure to the D-FW area at our new location."

The new venue will also allow Oak Highlands to expand on the range of fun events fans of the brewery already enjoy. Patrons can expect great live music, food events and competitions, private parties and dog rescue fundraisers, along with a recurring calendar of weekly events like bingo, trivia, music bingo and meat raffles.

As for when this will all go down, Oak Highlands hopes to have the Richardson facility open by late spring. Further details will be shared on the brewery's social media channels at once a firm date is determined.

In the meantime, Oak Highlands is planning to host a Farewell Party at the current locale on Brockwood Rd. in Dallas on Saturday, July 26th. After that, it'll be time to head from Brockwood to Lockwood as the company plants new roots in Richardson.