Nationwide, the gusty tradewinds of the craft brewing industry have capsized several industry leaders. In San Antonio, it has been a hurricane. Less than a month after revered beermaker Weathered Souls shuttered, Busted Sandal Brewing has written its own epitaph. The closure affects all three locations.

The team shared the news in an October 2 social media post. Although the statement didn’t dig deeply into the reasoning, it cited economic pressures, including its customers' ability to pay for “housing, food, and day-to-day life.”

“We do not close Busted Sandal with immense regret, but rather with a great sense of pride, holding our heads high knowing we made great beer and created a fun place for our Sandal family,” wrote a representative.

Busted Sandal opened its first outpost in San Antonio in 2013, largely committed to lighter beer styles like Mexican lagers and hefeweizens. In early 2020, the company expanded to a beer garden in Helotes. Its newest location in Kerrville has only been open since July 2023.

The economy had undoubtedly been unfriendly to breweries. According to a 2023 study by the national trade group Brewer’s Association, the industry has been burdened by rising costs in almost every production area. At the same time, climate change has reduced crop yields, and changes in drinking preferences have damaged sales.

The market forces are definitely felt in the Alamo City area. In addition to Weathered Souls’ passing, Barrelman Brewing Co., Boerne Brewery, Kinematic Brewing Co., and Second Pitch Beer Co. have all shuttered in recent months. Alamo Beer owner Eugene Simor has placed his East Side property for sale, and Black Laboratory has traded beer for seltzers.

The last day of business for Busted Sandal’s San Antonio location will be October 12, followed by November 3 and 10 for Helotes and Kerrville, respectively.