Craft Beer news

Dallas craft beer pioneer Deep Ellum Brewing is closing tap room

Deep Ellum Brewing 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.

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Burger News

Jakes Burgers returns to East Dallas with location on Greenville Ave

Behold: Jakes Burger Jakes

An iconic burger is coming to Dallas' Greenville Avenue: Jakes Burgers and Beer, the Dallas-based chain featuring burgers, fries, and beer, is opening a location at 4925 Greenville Ave., at the Energy Square development.

According to a spokesperson, the restaurant will open in the fall.

Known for their double-patty burgers served on signature poppyseed buns, Jakes was founded in 1985 by hamburger guru Jake Keller of Keller's fame, and preceded the "better burger" trend by making a burger that was better than fast-food, with attention to detail like hand-cut fries.

They were also ahead of their time on other now-popular trends such as a big selection of beer, which they serve in giant 18-ounce frosty schooners; and a firm commitment to patios, which have become an essential accessory.

The chain has since grown to 12 locations (soon to be 13) across North Texas, including Addison, Lake Highlands, Frisco, Flower Mound, and Sundance Square in Fort Worth.

They were acquired by MAD Concepts Group in 2021, at which time they began expanding their reach, upgrading their design, and evolving their menu. MAD Concepts Group creates and operates restaurant concepts such as Jakes and Tacos & Avocados.

The Jakes Greenville menu will feature stacked burgers, fries, and seasonal favorites. The location will feature an indoor-outdoor space and full bar, with design touches that are unique to the location; no two are exactly alike.

"Jakes has always been about great food and drinks, amazing service, and a friendly, energetic environment," says Carter Wilson, Founder of Blue Plate Network, the group overseeing real estate strategy and development for this project. "Energy Square offers the ideal location for this next chapter—a vibrant, walkable destination where work, life, and dining intersect."

The restaurant will open in the former Grub Burger Bar space and marks a return for Jake's to East Dallas, where they had a location at 2422 N. Henderson Ave. for a decade until it closed during the pandemic in 2021. (That location is now home to Mayer's Garden.)

"Greenville Avenue remains one of the city’s most iconic spots for the best dining, nightlife and the arts," says MAD Concepts Group operating partner Kendra Shier. "For us, this is more than just a new location, it’s a homecoming, a return to our roots in a neighborhood full of historic charm."

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