Mad Pecker Brewing Co. Marks Anniversary Amid Restaurant Closures in San Antonio
On March 31, Mad Pecker Brewing Co. will celebrate a bittersweet milestone as it commemorates its 10th anniversary while simultaneously closing its doors. Founded by Jason and Erika Gonzales in 2015 as a garage home brewery, the establishment grew to become a beloved local spot on the Northwest Side of San Antonio.
Challenges in the Restaurant Industry
Unfortunately, the brewery has been unable to navigate the economic hurdles impacting the wider restaurant industry. Rising costs in food and labor, increasing credit card fees, and diminished customer traffic have made sustainability difficult. “We never had a bounce back from COVID,” reflected Gonzales, citing a loss of approximately $150,000 in annual revenue compared to pre-pandemic levels. “That’s a lot,” he emphasized.
Growing List of Closures
Mad Pecker Brewing is not alone in its struggles. The San Antonio area has seen a series of closures in recent months, with notable restaurants such as La Frutería-Botanero, Thatta Boy Burgers, Eddie’s “Hijo-e-su” Café, and others like 225 Urban Smoke announcing their impending closures. The San Antonio restaurant landscape appears to be shifting, with more establishments shutting down than opening.
Insights from Industry Leaders
Blanca Aldaco, chair of the San Antonio Chapter of the Texas Restaurant Association, described the current climate as the “hardest it’s ever been.” She shared the difficulty of managing slow customer traffic and rising overhead costs, stating, “Overall traffic has been slower statewide. You have to navigate through food costs, labor, credit card fees. Property taxes are crazy.”
Legislative Advocacy
Aldaco has proactively sought solutions, recently traveling to Austin to advocate for Senate Bill 1008. This proposed legislation aims to reduce the burden of excessive regulations on restaurants, which have become increasingly cumbersome. She expressed concern for new restaurant owners, stating, “They are so inundated with so many permits, I would literally not be able to open up my restaurant the way I did 36 years ago.”
Local Business Adaptations
As closures grab headlines, some restaurants are finding ways to adapt. Chris Madrid’s has announced an expansion to seven days of service to counter rising operational costs, signaling a different path amid the turmoil.
Final Days at Mad Pecker Brewing Co.
The celebration at Mad Pecker Brewing will be both a farewell and a tribute to a decade of service. Gonzales hopes for future opportunities to create a new venture similar to his original, yet he remains acutely aware of the landscape. “It’s starting to become a common occurrence,” he noted, as he reflects on the narrowing options for local restaurateurs.
Revolutionary Wings Closes After Struggles
In related news, Revolutionary Wings, which began as a food truck in 2016, is also closing after six years of operation. Owner Joshua Paprocki shared the tough decisions he faced, stating, “Nobody understands… We needed customers in seats.” After its closure, Paprocki plans to shift to working as a chef in child nutrition programs.
The upcoming anniversary party for Mad Pecker Brewing Co. may be the last of its kind, but it serves as an important reminder of the resilience and challenges faced by small businesses in today’s economic climate.
