LOCAL BUSINESS
It's no surprise that Texas ranks among the top 10 states with the most craft breweries. With a burgeoning community of brewers and beer enthusiasts, the Lone Star State has firmly planted its flag in the craft beer revolution. According to the Texas Comptroller’s office and JobsEQ, a private-sector service that provides and analyzes labor market and economic data, breweries in Texas contributed an impressive $700 million to the gross state product (GSP) in 2020. This figure represents an annual growth rate of about 3 percent over the last decade, solidifying Texas’ position as a powerhouse in the industry. In fact, Texas breweries ranked third in the nation for economic impact during the same period, trailing only California and Pennsylvania.
Among the brewers making waves in this competitive market is Brian Smittle, founder of Thirsty Planet Brewing Company. With the continued rise of craft beer's popularity, Smittle is moving his operations from Austin to a new facility in San Marcos. The new location, a 21,000-square-foot facility located at 110 E. MLK in Crossroad Center, is set to become a beacon for craft beer enthusiasts in the re- gion.
