Brick Box Brewery to Close Tucson Location in November

The downtown Tucson establishment will cease operations on November 29, 2026, after 13 years at its current site.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Brick Box Brewery to Close Tucson Location in November

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Brick Box Brewery, located at 220 E. Broadway, will officially close its doors on November 29, 2026. The closure follows a period of financial difficulty for the downtown Tucson staple.

Why it matters

Financial pressures and rising operating expenses forced the decision to shut down the public-serving space. Despite cost-cutting measures, the business could no longer sustain its monthly overhead.

The brewery manages average monthly operating costs of $32,000 and recently faced an October electricity bill of $9,000. Owners project they will cut these monthly expenses by at least $15,000 once the storefront closes.

The players

James Owens

He is a co-owner who purchased the brewery in 2024.

Michael Nixon

He is a co-owner who purchased the brewery in 2024.

Steve Tracy

He is the founder who opened Thunder Canyon Brewery in 1997.

The details

Owners James Owens and Michael Nixon, who purchased the business in 2024, attempted to keep the brewery afloat by cutting staff and eliminating their own salaries for over 18 months. The brewery, formerly known as Thunder Canyon Brewery, will shift its focus to contract brewing for Ray Ray's Sonoran Spirit Tea.

1997: Founder Steve Tracy opened Thunder Canyon Brewery.
2013: The downtown satellite location at 220 E. Broadway opened.
2024: James Owens and Michael Nixon purchased the business.
September 2026: Owners were unable to pay the electricity bill.
November 29, 2026: Brick Box Brewery closes its doors.

Market Landscape

The closure marks the end of a nearly 30-year legacy for the brand originally established as Thunder Canyon Brewery. This move highlights the competitive challenges faced by long-standing downtown establishments navigating high fixed operating costs.

Patrons of the downtown location will no longer have access to the public taproom after the end of November. The business will transition entirely to private contract brewing operations, ending its direct retail presence at the 220 E. Broadway location.

The takeaway

Small business owners often face narrow margins where energy costs and staffing overhead can quickly outpace revenue during slower seasons. This closure serves as a reminder of the fragility of local hospitality businesses despite long-standing community presence.