The Fort Worth brewery that began with an at-home craft beer kit became a community hub for more than a decade before announcing its final pour.

FORT WORTH, Texas — The line around the old brick warehouse wrapped around the building, and anyone driving by may have thought it was for a concert. 

But on Friday night, dozens of people filled Panther Island Brewing for one last round inside the Fort Worth brewery that has served the community for more than a decade.

Owner Ryan McWhorter greeted customers, thanking them for coming and apologizing for the wait as supporters packed the warehouse space.

For 11 years, McWhorter and his family poured more than pints.

What started as a simple at-home craft beer kit — a small experiment that sparked a passion — eventually fermented into something much bigger: a brewery that became a gathering place for friends, families and strangers alike.

“We definitely built that safe space for everybody here,” McWhorter said.

Panther Island Brewing grew into a community hub, a place where customers say connections were formed as easily as conversations over a cold glass of beer.

But now, the owners have decided it’s time to close the doors for good.

Panther Island Brewing is among several local establishments that have recently shuttered. McWhorter said rising costs and low sales ultimately made it impossible to sustain the business.

“Simply put… it just wasn’t enough. Wasn’t making enough,” he said.

McWhorter described the decision as one reached through deep discernment and prayer.

“What is God telling us? And we had to listen,” he said, becoming emotional. “Very hard decision to make. Very.”

Friday night marked the brewery’s final farewell. Longtime customers lingered, savoring what they knew would be the last pour inside the space.

Mark Flores, the family’s business partner that became a loyal friend stepped into the old warehouse for one last time. 

“I remember walking in here [11 years ago], it was still an empty building,” Flores said. “I gained a second family here, it never felt like a job.”

Though the doors are closing, McWhorter said he hopes the camaraderie built inside the warehouse walls will last long after the taps run dry.

“Just keep spreading kindness in this crazy world we live in,” he said.