East Tucson’s BlackRock Brewers closed after nine years

BlackRock Brewers, a longtime fixture on Tucson’s east side craft beer scene, has announced it will close after nine years in business.

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the closure of BlackRock Brewers,” the company shared in a public statement. “Despite our best efforts, declining sales, rising operational costs, increasing rent, and Tucson’s challenging economy have made the business unsustainable[…]”

The brewery did not list a specific final day of service since posting on Saturday, but emphasized gratitude for its community, staff, and partners. It also encouraged customers to continue supporting other local businesses that carried its beer.

A neighborhood brewery built from homebrewing roots

BlackRock Brewers first emerged from a grassroots beginning. Co-founders Tony Williams and Chuck Boyer started as homebrewers before deciding to open a brewery roughly four and a half years prior to launch.

They secured funding through a mix of a Kickstarter campaign and private investment, reflecting early community buy-in.

When the brewery debuted in April 2017 at 1664 S. Research Loop, it filled a geographic gap in Tucson’s beer landscape. At the time, the east side lacked a dedicated brewery, which made the location a deliberate choice.

From the outset, BlackRock positioned itself as both a production brewery and neighborhood taproom. Early plans included a lineup of approachable core beers such as a cream ale, IPA, pale ale, amber ale, and vanilla porter, along with rotating seasonal styles.

Additionally, the team emphasized collaboration over competition. Their “foreign exchange” tap program brought in beers from other local breweries, allowing east side customers to experience Tucson’s broader craft scene without traveling across town.

Building community through beer

Over the years, BlackRock Brewers became known for its laid-back taproom atmosphere, board games, live acoustic music, and eventual integration of food trucks.

Moreover, the brewery leaned into local partnerships and distribution, landing taps at businesses such as Beyond Bread, Short Rest Tavern, Three Canyon Beer and Wine Garden, Casa Video, Hotel McCoy, and Empire Pizza, among others, according to its closing statement.

As a microbrewery, BlackRock focused on small-batch production and local reach, prioritizing quality and accessibility over scale.

Closure reflects broader pressures

Ultimately, the factors cited in the closure reflect challenges facing many independent breweries and small businesses. Rising costs, shifting consumer habits, and economic pressures have forced difficult decisions across the hospitality industry.

In their farewell message, the BlackRock team reflected on nearly a decade of operation:

“The past 9 years filled with friends, celebrations, music, and fun will always hold a special place in our hearts.”

They also issued a final call to action that resonates beyond their own closure:

“Please keep seeking out and supporting small, hidden local businesses, the tucked-away spots with the best food, drink, and service.”

Keep up with BlackRock Brewers on Facebook.