Black Star Co-op, Austin’s cooperatively-owned and run brewpub, is struggling with low sales. In order to help combat that, the board sent out an email urging its members to ramp up business by ordering beers, burgers, and other pub food.

Lawrence Watson (who is part of Black’s business team, marketing, and worker development) and the team noticed a major drop in sales for the past four months, something the co-op never experienced before. January is usually a good month for Black Star, so the news was unexpected. “We were unsure if the sales were an aberration or an indication of a new norm,” he told Eater, which lead to the email. Read the full note below.

Why is Black Star’s sales in decline? Watson pointed to the increasing number of restaurants and bars opening in the city, coupled with a general sales slump across Texas.

After the letter was sent out to Black Star’s members and posted on Reddit yesterday, the response has been positive. “We’ve received an abundance of support from people and businesses around Austin,” said Watson.

If the tide doesn’t turn, Watson anticipates a major change, but is unsure of what that will entail. “It will look quite different than it does now,” he did say.

Update, January 10: After its call for customers, Black Star's sales have skyrocketed, along with many donations and new members, which means the pub is safe for now.

Black Star prides itself on paying its staffers living wages (no need for tips) since it opened in 2010. There are over 3,300 members involved. It recently vowed to serve as a sanctuary restaurant, free from harassment.

Black Star Co-op’s Email