PORT NECHES, Texas — A Southeast Texas brewery is fighting for its survival.
Neches Brewing Company is grappling with inflation as rising prices put new pressure on the business.
The brewery located in Port Neches opened in 2016 and last summer they previously announced plans to expand into Beaumont.
But now, the owner says they're facing a possible closure.
Owner Tyler Blount says the economy has brought their expansion plans to a screeching halt. Now, they're hoping the community can help turn things around.
"We're selling the whole property right now, the old Pour Brothers Brewery in downtown Beaumont. We can't afford to keep the note up over there," said Blount.
Blount says inflation has caused operation costs to skyrocket, even as customers continue to pour in.
"Expenses go up, revenue stays the same. That doesn't work. We're just trying to get more people in here to offset that, but the buck is constantly getting passed down through the end consumer, and nobody's gonna pay $10 for a beer," Blount told 12News.
As Blount shifts his focus to where it all started, unable to expand his business to Beaumont, he and his team are working to keep the brewery alive.
A former employee even created a GoFundMe and set a $20,000 goal.
One person who Blount claims isn't even a regular, already donated half of their goal.
"We know a lot of Richards, we know a lot of Scott's, but we don't know any Richard Scott's! We're not getting our hopes up, because it is such a super generous amount if it's true," said Blount.
"Dude, this is the best job I've ever had, and the longest job I've ever had, too," said Wren Miller, a manager and bartender of Neches Brewing Co.
Like the rest of the team, Miller is forced to adapt and overcome the recent slump. Meanwhile his community of regulars keeps him serving with a smile.
"A little down in the dumps for sure because we all work so hard and we try our best. The sense of community and the relationships built with the people who come in regularly are the things that keep me here," Miller said.
For regulars like Joe Rooney, it's the family-friendly environment that keeps his group coming back for more.
"Best beers hands-down. The burgers are by far the best in town. We'd obviously like to keep it here and having the owners and the community be able to keep this up," said Rooney.
Regardless of the outcome, Blount says he's proud of the impact his business has left on Southeast Texas.
"Whatever happens, happens. never gonna give up," Blount said.
If you'd like to show your support for Neches Brewing Company you can find the link to their GoFundMe.