Craft Beer news

Dallas craft beer pioneer Deep Ellum Brewing is closing tap room

Deep Ellum Brewing

A craft beer pioneer in Dallas is shutting down its tap room: Deep Ellum Brewing, founded nearly 13 years ago in the neighborhood that sported its name, it closing its tap room and brewhouse.

However, according to an announcement from the brewery, they'll still be selling the beer.

"After 12+ amazing years of brewing and serving our beers in Deep Ellum, we've made the difficult decision to close our taproom and brewhouse and move production of the beer to other facilities in our network," their statement said. "Deep Ellum beers will continue to be produced and distributed to our wholesale partners and there will be no reduction in supply or availability."

The closure of the taproom follows the closure of their kitchen in fall 2023.

Deep Ellum Brewing was founded in 2011, one of the first craft beer brewers in Dallas, on what was then a remote edge of Deep Ellum — a situation that has changed dramatically, with much development surrounding the location, including an apartment building now under construction behind the brewery's patio.

A spokesperson confirmed the company would still be brewing beer but said they were not allowed to offer any other detail.

Fans were quick to blame Monster Beverage, the company that acquired Deep Ellum Brewing in 2022, which has already closed other regional breweries such as Cigar City Brewery in Tampa and Oskar Blues brewery and taproom in Austin, in an effort to streamline and centralize production.

But most fans just expressed concern about the potential loss of favorite beers such as Dallas Blonde.

"Rest assured — the Deep Ellum story is not over," the statement said. "Our beers will remain available throughout Texas, and we look forward to sharing them with our fans for many years to come."'

They thanked employees and customers, stating, "From the great folks who've worked here to those who've joined us for a pint or a show, we'd like to thank everyone that's been a part of our journey."

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Eric Sandler contributed to this story.

closings craft beer

Women Chef News

Dallas' Restaurant Beatrice extends game-changing culinary program

Courtesy photo

Restaurant Beatrice and Dallas College

A Dallas restaurant that's been a champion of women in the industry is doubling down: Restaurant Beatrice, which launched a program in 2023 to promote women in leadership roles in the restaurant industry, will continue the program for a second semester, in partnership with Dallas College.

Called the Women in Restaurants Leadership Program (WRLP), it was an eight-week, tuition-free program that debuted in January 2024. According to a release, the first round was a smashing success.

From a survey they did with the first class, they learned that

82 percent of the students received job/stage opportunities
100 percent of the students would recommend the class to others
100 percent of the students felt the class improved their career prospects

Due to that remarkable success of the spring semester, they'll repeat class in the fall.

Enrollment is open to everyone, men included. The tuition-free program will allow students to stage with top Dallas restaurants including Beatrice, Zen Sushi, rye, Roots Southern Kitchen, the Duro Hospitality Group, and Crown Block.

Students also participate in a Capstone dinner to replenish costs for incoming students. That dinner will take place on Monday, October 28 at 6 pm at Dallas College's Culinary School. Leadership from Beatrice and Duro Hospitality will train and supervise participants. Students will demonstrate their improved skills and knowledge to execute a dinner for the public to enjoy.

The program was first conceived by Restaurant Beatrice owner and chef Michelle Carpenter with a goal of helping retain and advance more women in the industry and creating a more positive restaurant culture. Restaurant Beatrice is the Oak Cliff restaurant that celebrates Louisiana-style hospitality and culture which opened in 2022.

A 2022 study by the National Restaurant Association found that women enter the restaurant workforce at a higher rate than men but do not hold leadership positions.

To enroll and apply for a tuition-waiver, email Steve DeShazo, Senior Workforce Director for Dallas College's Culinary School at sdeshazo@dallascollege.edu.