Local Food Businesses offering Cracklings near Fort Worth, Texas 76181 (2)

The Manhattan Project Beer Company’s name is a nod to the scientific way the brewery’s founders create their beers. Of course, the brewery’s name also makes for cool beer names. Consider Particles Collide (a Hazy IPA), Atomic Alliance (a piña colada IPA), and their infamous Bikini Atoll (a Gose). The most fascinating thing about The Manhattan Project Beer Company besides their delicious beers, however, is how the founders upended everyone’s business plan. The founders essentially proved that one didn’t need a taproom or own a brewery to succeed in the brewery business. Their story started with a brew created for a wedding, which led to a win at a homebrewing competition, and finally culminated in their “renting brewing space like a room on Airbnb”. Since those early days in 2016, founders Misty Sanford, Karl Sanford, and Jeremy Brodt have enjoyed a cult-like following. They’re expecting to open their taproom in late 2019.

Union Bear Brewing Co. opened in Plano in early January 2018. It is part of the Frisco-based 33 Restaurant Group, which operates several other concept restaurants. The brewery marks the opening of Plano’s first independent brewery and brewpub. They offer "plenty of beers to choose from and their entrees are a generous size". To complement their craft beers, the restaurant offers an extensive “menu of approachable, chef-driven plates”. They also have a selection of cocktails for guests. "It’s never too busy and the servers are always pleasant". Also, "you can choose to sit indoors or outdoor which is nice and their happy hour is also legit".