Balanced Rock closes brewery in The Colony

Photo © Brian Brown/Beer in Big D

Balanced Rock Brewing has announced the closure of its brewery in The Colony, effective immediately.

Founded by Jim Dooley and James Wirz, Balanced Rock opened its doors to the public in February 2025 after taking over a space previously occupied by a food court destination. And while the venture only sustained for a little over a year, there is some hope of a re-opening at another location in the future.

From a social media post:

"When we opened a little over 1 year ago - the culmination of some 15 years of research and scouting for a location and drawing up plans - we were beyond excited to share our passion for craft beer with you.

It has been an honor to engage with our loyal patrons and guests, and we thank you from the very bottom of our hearts for all your support. We love the environs. We love our brewers and chefs. We love the awesome brews that [our production staff] brewed. However, the economic realities have made it difficult to carry on at this location and we have now closed the doors in The Colony.

We have been scouting a new location - one more suitable for a craft brewery. We will give some further updates in the days, weeks, and months ahead and hope that while this is the closing of one chapter, it leads to some fun pursuits in the very near future."

Texas Ale Project closing brewery in Dallas

Photo © Brian Brown/Beer in Big D.

Another of the area's longest running breweries has announced it will close, as Texas Ale Project is set to shut down in Dallas.

Texas Ale Project entered the market in late 2014, after being founded by Brent and Kat Thompson, along with Kat's father, David Stevens. The company's facility was built from the ground up, being the first such new construction in the City of Dallas since before Prohibition.

Popular beers in the brewery's portfolio included 50 Ft. Jackrabbit IPA, 100 Million Angels Singing Double IPA and The Caucasian White Russian Imperial Stout. They even partnered with the local and legendary metal band, Pantera, to produce a line of beers back in 2020. The mainstay, though, over the course of the brewery's nearly 12-year run was Fire Ant Funeral Amber Ale.

From a social media post:

"After more than a decade of brewing beer, building community, and creating memories, we have decided to close Texas Ale Project.

Since opening our doors in 2014, our mission has always been about more than beer. It has been about bringing people together and building enjoyment. What started as a dream became a gathering place where friendships were formed, milestones were celebrated, ideas were shared, and countless pints were raised among family, neighbors, and strangers who quickly became friends.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey of sharing our beers across Texas and nationally. To our customers, distributors, retail partners, vendors, musicians, food trucks, and the many dedicated team members who have poured their passion into Texas Ale Project over the years, thank you. Your support, loyalty, and belief in us made everything possible over the last 12 years.

We are especially thankful for the friendships and connections we've made along the way. While this chapter is coming to an end, we’re embarking on new ones, and the memories we've created together will last far beyond our final pour. We look back in awe of the support we had and with sincere appreciation for everyone who helped make Texas Ale Project what it became.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for supporting us since 2014. Thank you for every visit, every conversation, every celebration, and every beer shared."

The taproom at Texas Ale Project will remain open until the final day of business on Saturday August 8.