Arlington, Denton breweries close amid financial struggles

Two Dallas-Fort Worth area breweries closed in as many weeks, with Arlington’s Legal Draft Beer Co. shuttering after six years and Armadillo Ale Works, of Denton, shutting down after 12. Dodson Commercial Real Estate listed Legal Draft’s brewery and tap room on its website as two different spaces available. The 20,000 square feet of retail space does not have a lease rate on the website, which says costs will be provided upon request to interested parties.

Legal Draft hasn’t made any official statement as to why it is ending business, but a note on the door of its taproom from Dodson Commercial Real Estate said the landlord was owed nearly $165,000. Legal Draft’s website has a notice to visitors announcing the closure. “With heavy hearts we say goodbye,” the notice says. “The taproom is now closed. ... Thank you for all your support over the last six years.” The brewery’s owners did not immediately respond to a Star-Telegram request for interview. It’s unclear if Armadillo Ale Works will be making a comeback at some point. The Denton-based brewing company said the impacts of COVID-19 on small businesses like Armadillo Ale have taken a toll long term.