Member-Owned Brew Pub Opens Its Doors, Pours Up Unique Business Model

The Black Star Co-Op Brew Pub (7020 Easy Wind Drive, Suite 100) is finally open after plenty of sweat, hard work, and determination!

Black Star, as hinted in the name, is a cooperative style - dare I say business - which is based upon community 'partners' in which customers buy in to the business as members to become part owners in the pub.  Basically, the co-operative is owned and run by the people it serves (the members).

With a special focus on local producers, the basic mission and principles of the Black Star Co-op is to foster an environment in which member-owners, as well as the general public, may realize the principles of co-operative ownership, worker self-management, education and community action through the responsible enjoyment great beer and food. 

As the first enterprise of this type, we seek to realize an alternative business model for brewpubs and to help expand the co-operative movement into new and innovative areas — both in Austin and around the world. 

Today, with an anchor position within Central Austin’s Midtown Commons center adjacent to the Crestview Metro station, and a team of architects, graphic designers, and contractors assembled to lead the build-out with overwhelming input and support from members, the “vision” of the Black Star Co-op is well on its way to becoming a reality in Summer 2010. (Black Star Co-Op web site)

The brew pub for all to share happily opened its doors Tuesday as a soft open.  Guest taps right now include 512 and Live Oak, for example, and bar grub is for sale with the kitchen pretty much in full operation.  Driving by Black Star Co-Op, which is located in Midtown Commons at the intersection of Lamar and St. Johns Avenue (along Capital Metro's Crestview MetroRail train stop), you'll be able to spot the brewing tanks sitting tall and proud inside the building.  Unfortunately, there is no beer in them just yet, but we won't have to wait too much longer at all.  (Picture: member-owners, courtesy Black Star web site)

You may notice a big difference when you pay your tab at Black Star.  We talked with a manager who told us customers need not leave a tip.  She said the mindset behind it is that all the workers, who share equal responsibility doing a number of different tasks throughout their shifts, all earn a fair wage and therefore do not need to be tipped.

Interested in joining?  Each membership is $85 with a one-time joining fee of $15.  According to Black Star's membership rules, more than one person in a household can join and incur only one joining fee. 

Pretty cool concept, really cool brew pub (you should see the inside of this place!), and I'm pretty darn sure there is some pretty great beer on the way.  Check Black Star out on the web, call them at 512-452-BEER, or just swing by.  The soft opening hours are 4 p.m. until midnight.  ACS also did an interview with president Steven Yarak back in March at the Rail 'N Ale Beer Social that you should check out!

From what we gathered walking in the doors and talking to a few of the very cool workers, some of the equipment is still being brought in and some matters are still being attended to.

Hopefully by October there will be some fresh Black Star beer pouring steadily from the taps.  In the meantime, though, we will enjoy the guest taps and be thankful for such a great establishment for Austin to enjoy.

Capital Metro Test Drives MetroRail Saturday Service

Just weeks after Austin's transit authority, Capital Metro, launched the 32-mile MetroRail Monday through Friday service from Leander to downtown, passengers are hopping on board for a rare weekend journey.

Unlike other rail systems around the state, including Houston's METRORail and Dallas' DART, which runs service during weekends, Capital Metro's newest form of travel has yet to extend its hours of operation.  Weekday trips are also limited and only run in the morning, afternoon and evening for business commuters going to and from work.

Many riders believe weekend service will benefit Austin, its economy, and downtown businesses including restaurants and bars because it's a convenient way to get to the heart of the city.  "Thanks to the MetroRail Saturday service, I'm at the Pecan Street Festival downtown," said Hope Doty via Twitter.  "[I] would never have come otherwise."

According to users of the weekend rail, the train cars were packed to capacity, leaving only enough space for standing room only.  The train began running at 11 a.m. and continued through 11:30 p.m.  Various downtown events made the red line a welcomed commodity.  Mayor Pro Tem and Capital Metro Board Chairman Mike Martinez noted there is not a shortage of events.


"Want something to do today?" Martinez asked via Twitter.  "There's plenty - Cinco de Mayo Fest, Pecan Street Fest, Farmers Market, March for Immigrants Rights and more."

When asked about what Doty thought about the Saturday service, "[It's] absolutely great!" she said.  "We organized a train 'TwEATup' at the Cedar Door downtown.  We hopped a train [at the] Kramer Station.  Now we are at Cedar Door with other train riders for drinks and dinner.  Love Saturday service."

Capital Metro officials have not said whether Saturday service will become a regular part of MetroRail's schedule.  Judging by the turnout, however, leaders may consider offering the rail as a commuting alternative on the weekends so Austinites can enjoy what the city has to offer without the headache of using the infamous cluttered highways.

Pictures courtesy Twitter user @Hopedoty (Hope Doty)