After five successful years in the craft beer business, TUPPS Brewery has outgrown its current 17,000 sq. ft. location. While looking for a new site for expansion, TUPPS approached McKinney City Council with a vision of creating a world-class cultural and entertainment destination on the east side of town. The timing couldn't have been better. Since 2006, McKinney City Council and staff were looking for ways to bring economic development to McKinney's east side. A partnership with TUPPS provided a perfect blending of two needs. TUPPS will relocate to a larger facility, and the historic McKinney Grain site will get a fresh remodel to bring business and retail to McKinney.
TUPPS' new location at the historic McKinney Grain site includes remodeling a 120-year-old grain mill, a new state of the art 25,000 sq. ft. production brewery, and a retail craft community shopping area that will be housed in shipping containers. The total project will encompass over 40,000 sq. ft. of buildings on a 4.5-acre spread. TUPPS president and owner Keith Lewis states, "The McKinney grain site gives us the ability to expand on the rustic, unique, and laid-back vibe that our customers have grown to love. This site will have a large outdoor stage that will host live music and theater performances."
TUPPS has worked closely with the City of McKinney on this project. The McKinney Community Development Corporation has approved a grant for $11,333,262 for the construction of the facilities. In addition, the McKinney Economic Development Corporation has provided a loan that will be used to purchase additional equipment allowing TUPPS to meet market demand. The entire area will be an extension of the current downtown McKinney area.
The expected opening date is early 2022. The new location will include a larger taproom, an outdoor venue area, expanded event space for private and corporate events, and a full menu restaurant. When asked what he's most excited about, Lewis says the building process and putting together a world-class brewery that will revitalize McKinney's east side.
However, the new building project hasn't distracted Lewis and the TUPPS team from bringing new beverages to market. TUPPS' newly released hard seltzer Blur, is available in 4 refreshing flavors and caters to the health-conscious audience who wants excellent taste with few calories. There are also plans for an expanded beer menu and adding spirits when their new location opens.
TUPPS has also developed a variety of beers to benefit local and national charities. Proceeds from Dive Bar Brunch, an imperial stout, benefit local restaurant and bar servers. Help Now variety pack, which includes a pale ale and mix of rotating beers, benefits the American Red Cross. And Trailhead, a pale ale, proceeds go to the Warriors Keep service organization that supports our military veterans.
TUPPS' also created Rising Hope, an American ale brewed with fresh, organic pink guava purees. The result of a collaboration that began in 2018, between TUPPS and the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Rising Hope proceeds go towards fighting a disease that has touched so many lives. Cancer is something Lewis is passionate about finding a cure for. "I have many friends and family members that have been affected by cancer. My dad passed away from brain cancer, my very close and dear friend passed away from pancreatic cancer, and I have another good friend that is on her third round of fighting breast cancer. It has impacted me, and I know it impacts everyone," says Lewis.
As of September 2019, TUPPS Brewery now offers Beer-To-Go from the brewery, including 4/6 packs, 32oz growlers, and 64oz growlers. This additional service has significantly added to TUPPS' business. Lewis states that TUPPS customers enjoy freshly brewed beers and the unique brews only available in the taproom.
Lewis started brewing beer over eight years ago out of his garage. What began as a hobby has grown into a successful family-owned business. Lewis' three adult children work alongside him, creating high-quality beverages that their customers love.
The TUPPS Brewery taproom is open Wednesday / Friday from 4:00-9:00 PM, Saturday from 12:00AM-9:00PM, and Sundays from 12:00PM-6:00PM. Connect with TUPPS on social media on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and visit their website, www.tuppsbrewery.com, to get information on the latest brews and events. Lewis also encourages everyone to drive by the new construction site and watch the dream unfold.