category Board of Directors

Worker Spotlight: Matthew Sears

1. What is your position and what do you do at Black Star?

I work in the kitchen. We kind all kind of switch up and cover difference roles, but I do a lot of
line work and some specials.

2. How long have you been cooking and where?

I’ve been cooking for about 6-7 years in different places around town. I heard about Black Star
from Jeff (former Black Star head chef) and thought it sounded interesting with the structure of
the coop and way everyone gets to contribute.

3. Where are you from?

I spent time as a kid in Oceanside, CA, but I was kind of an “army brat” and lived in a lot of
places.

4. How long have you been in Austin, and what is one of your favorite places or things about living
here?

I came to Austin 2007 and studied Photography and Communications at St. Edwards. I played in
a couple bands and eventually found an interest in the food scene. It really seemed to blend my
artistic interests and the more I got into it the more I kind of fell in love with it.

5. What do you enjoy about Black Star Co-op?

Great beer and how the whole vibe aligns with my values. I’ve worked in all types of
restaurants, and I really like the co-op model here at Black Star. I heard about the coop from
Jeff, who told me about how the kitchen team runs things and it sounded interesting, with a lot
of opportunity for real contribution and making a mark.

6. What’s one fun or unusual thing about working at Black Star that is different from other jobs you
had?

If you have something to say you have a voice and a chance to raise your idea or suggestion.
You get a chance to exercise autonomy and to give feedback on how things are working. That’s
unusual in the industry. If you want to do something different, then hey, make a proposal and
bring it up with the team.

7. Do you have a favorite house beer?

I’d say right now Self Esteem or Midtown, also Roze Sap when we have it. My preferences have
changed over time and I still enjoy a wide variety of beers, but tend toward the lighter styles at
the moment.

8. What do you do outside of work with your free time? (Or what do you imagine yourself doing if
pandemic restrictions weren’t still in place?)

I  like to play music and eventually I’d like to do some recording. I play the guitar, as well as
some bass and piano. I also enjoy playing video games. One of my recent favorites is Dark
Souls. There’s a new game coming out from the same publisher that I’m looking forward to
playing called Elden Ring, which was produced in collaboration with George R.R. Martin, the
creator of Game of Thrones. It looks incredible, with fantastic world building and characters.

9. If you could snap your fingers and become an expert at something, what would it be?

I’d really like to become an expert in the Japanese art of butchering yakitori style. There is just a
really interesting and different approach to the way they will cut up, say a chicken, that
produces these really efficient and flavorful cuts with very little waste. It’s a different approach
than a traditional western method for butchery.
I’ve had a longtime interest in both the food and the culture of Japan and would love to travel
there one day. Some of my favorite places in town to get my food fix are Tatsu-Ya and Michi
Ramen. There is also a really great ramen place called Ramen 512 that started as a pop-up but
now has a physical location.

10. Any Last words to the co-op members?

Look forward to more good stuff from the kitchen! As things get more and more stable with the
pandemic business and staffing, I think we will have more interesting things. For instance, the
Basque-style cheesecake that we had recently was my idea and it seems to have gotten a good
reception from the members and customers, which has been gratifying.
Also, if you have feedback for us, let us know. We are always interested to hear from our
members about what they are enjoying or would like to see. We have a lot of good ideas, and
hopefully we can start exploring some of them as things continue to pick up.

Mar 10, 2022
| in Board of Directors, Culture, Kitchen, Membership
| by

Worker Spotlight: Abbie Rose <3

 

 

Last week, Board Director James Farris had the opportunity to sit down with Black Star’s Abbie Rose.

1.    What is your position and what do you do at Black Star?
I’m on the kitchen team and I was elected to the role of Worker
Development earlier this fall.

2.    Where are you from?
I grew up in Boerne, Texas in the Hill Country.

3.    How long have you been in Austin, and what is one of your favorite
places or things about living here?
I moved to Austin after college in 2010, I’d always kind of known that’s
where I was headed and I couldn’t wait to get here. The city has changed
so much but my favorite parts, the natural beauty, the greenbelt and an
abundance of good friends, have mostly stayed the same.

4.    What do you enjoy about Black Star Co-op?
I love all of the people involved, from the workers assembly to the
board of directors to our member owners and regulars, Black Star has
this magnetism that draws some really cool and interesting
personalities. I also love the opportunities this co-op creates for
mentorship, community engagement and experimentation with people-centric
alternatives to standard business practices.

5.    What’s one fun or unusual thing about working at Black Star that
is different from other jobs you’ve had?
I’ve never worked in a kitchen with such a healthy culture of respect,
communication and collaboration. It’s the most refreshing thing to not
have to worry about showing up to a toxic environment every day just
because you love working with food, especially as a woman. The industry
is growing up and we’re starting to see demands for better conditions
and safer work environments across the board with restaurants and I’m so
grateful to be where I am and proud of Black Star for being so ahead of
the curve with that kind of thing. Also just the level at which my input
has had an impact literally from day one never ceases to blow me away,
it’s a very good feeling to know that you have a say in matters at every
level of the organization.

6.    What is your favorite house beer?
I don’t always drink beer but when I do, I drink Self Esteem.

7.    What do you do outside of work with your free time? (Or what do
you imagine yourself doing if pandemic restrictions weren’t still in
place?)
These days I’m more of a homebody than ever before and it’s been nice to
lean into that. I spend most evenings with my fiancé at home, working on
projects, cooking big meals or just hanging out, and spending time with
my family and friends. I keep telling myself I’m going to make room for
painting again but we’ll see when that happens.

8.    The pandemic has limited travel for everyone, but what is one of
your favorite places you visited or trips you have taken in the past? Or
where would you like to go, if you could take a trip anywhere?
My fiancé and I have been talking lately about our dream honeymoon and I
spend a lot of time thinking about that. We want to take a few weeks,
buy Eurail tickets and live on and off the train all over Europe. In our
perfect world we hop on the train, cozy up in a sleeping car and spend
the day wherever we happen to be when we wake up in the morning.
Hopefully the world will heal enough in the next year to make something
like that happen, but either way it’s really nice to think about.

9.    Any Last words to the co-op members?
Just thank you, honestly, thank you so much for supporting us and what
we do here. These last few months have been a real rollercoaster dealing
with staffing and infrastructure problems out of anyone’s control on top
of continued strangeness from Covid times and if we were a different
kind of place we may not have weathered the storms. I love this place
and I want to keep working here for a long long time and it really is
the support and patronage from our member owners that are going to make
that possible, so really, I can’t thank you enough <3

Dec 02, 2021
| in Board of Directors, Culture, Kitchen, Membership, Uncategorized
| by

Board Candidates

 

Graham Green

A Brentwood local, keen beer drinker and home-brewer graham is originally from the land of cask
beer (England) but has acclimatized well to Austin since moving here in 2013. His wife (an austin
original), claims he becomes a little more Texan every day, a claim he disputes. His main gig is in product
marketing for a local engineering firm, where he employs strategic, project management and
evangelism skill that he hopes to bring to the black star board. His side gigs include, playing trombone in
a local jazz band, spoiling his small white fluffy dog, and eating good cheese – all skills and activities with
less direct use during board meetings, but who knows what the future brings…. Graham is excited about
continuing to serve the black star coop members and contributing to support and build a quality
neighborhood pub!

Candidate’s Questions:
1. Why are you interested in serving on the Board of Directors of the Co-op?
I was talking to a worker at the coop the other day, and he explained how at BlackStar, for the first time,
he has a voice. He has a say in how the business runs, and in his own destiny with it. This is the
difference between our coop and the average bar you might walk into. We have a business model where
people come together, so that everybody is valued, and everybody wins.
However, this doesn’t all come for free. To make it work will take time, effort, and belief. I have served
on the board for three years now. It’s not been the three years I expected, but together with the
workers assembly we have built a stronger position coming out of the pandemic than going in.
I feel I’ve spent my first term on the board learning, about our Co-op, about our people and about our
needs. A second term would allow me to contribute more as I can hit the ground running.

2. What goals would you like to see Black Star Co-op achieve in the next year? Five years?
In the next five years I would like Black Star to grow our presence in the community. This means
reaching a wider audience and building a deeper relationship with each person we touch. Not only will
this be good for the business, but it will allow us to evangelize our values.

3. What qualities and past experience do you have for serving on the Black Star Co-op Board of
Directors?
I work for a large tech company here in Austin where I specialize in go-to-market strategy and marketing
evangelism. The primary short/medium term need for the coop is to get more people into the pub and
raise our topline. This will give us more flexibility to get beyond day-to-day operational stress and start
investing strategically for the long-term success of the coop. This is a marketing a sales function, which I
have experience in and can advise effectively.

4. Name one way in which you’d like the Black Star Co-op Pub and Brewery to stand out from other
local brewpubs.

BlackStar is a community as well as a pub. It is a made by its people more than its building or even its
beer. I would like to see BlackStar continuing to invest in the great people in the workers assembly,
supporting member/owners, and bringing in the local community too.
BlackStar will stand out from other brewpubs when more people here in Austin describe it as “my pub”,
rather than just “a pub”.

5. What is your favorite Co-operative Principle and why?
I think the democratic processes within the coop are important (no 2) but my favorite is 7 – concern for
the community. As stated earlier in this brief – BlackStar has an opportunity to lead by example with a
set of values and business model that allows everyone to win. I do not believe that BlackStar should
become some kind of political action group but we can influence those around us towards a better and
more just society (full of happy, beer drinking people).

 

 

Autumn Kervella

Hi! My name is Autumn and I’m a rare Austin Native! I grew up in the Crestview neighborhood and
come from a family of Black Star Co-op Members! I graduated from Trinity University with a degree in
Communication, but currently work in Education Tech and am also a small business owner (Brew Pub +
Coffee Roasters in the Philippines)! I enjoy all things craft (beer + food) and I look forward to working
and getting to know you all soon!

Candidate’s Questions:
1. Why are you interested in serving on the Board of Directors of the Co-op?
I’ve grown up in the neighborhood, in the beer world and basically at Black Star, through the
involvement of my parents. It’s time to be involved myself! I am looking forward to continuing the
growth of Black Star and assisting in any way possible!

2. What goals would you like to see Black Star Co-op achieve in the next year? Five years?
Black Star is a wonderfully unique organization that I think is just more or less unknown to most
Austinites. I want to see the reach of Black Star grow this year, specifically on Social Media. With the
continued growth of Austin- specifically outward into smaller neighborhoods (like
Crestview/Brentwood), Black Star will have the opportunity to grow as a known neighborhood pub more
and more. With new apartments popping-up everywhere and the growth of the FC team the
opportunities for growth in these 2 demographics is very exciting!

3. What qualities and past experience do you have for serving on the Black Star Co-op Board of
Directors?

In addition to seeing Black Star grow over ten years as a customer, I have also lived across the US and
abroad and witnessed a lot of similar ideas – and been a part of creating my own brew-pub. Two years
ago, I opened a small brewpub and Coffee Roasters in the Philippines and much of my passion and
excitement was due to seeing Black Star grow! After working in the industry and being a small business
owner, I bring a similar experience. I worked specifically in marketing and social media for the business,
which saw a 300% growth in one year. I am also an active member of my community and regularly go
out, so I look forward to spreading the word about Black Star.

4. Name one way in which you’d like the Black Star Co-op Pub and Brewery to stand out from other local
brewpubs.
Black Star is so socially responsible and involved in city and community efforts and organizations – a fact
I believe most customers don’t realize. I would like to see the continuation of these efforts and to
highlight them amongst community members and member owners. Meals for the homeless, paid time
off, Wish You Were Queer ( brewed in collab with Out Youth!) are just a few of things I think our
member owners could be more involved with. By featuring some of these efforts I’d like to see the
community support grow around the principles that make Black Star so unique.

5. What is your favorite Co-operative Principle and why?
My favorite principle of the co-op is #5, as it is concerned with the education part of the co-op,
specifically to “inform the general public – particularly young people and opinion leaders”. Educating the
community about co-operatives in general and the value of it is what makes Black Star stand out from
other brew-pubs in Austin. Providing education and peaking interest in younger people in the
community lends to growth and social awareness.

 

 

Jeffrey W. Ouellette

 Jeffrey W. Ouellette is a technology and culture progress advocate for the global built asset
industry (buildings and infrastructure). Leveraging his past 30+ years of experience in design,
construction, and software development and marketing, he is an independent consultant for local,
national, and international companies and organizations that desire to utilize standards and industry
best practices as they work to become more digitally adept. Jeff’s work provides him an opportunity to
regularly travel around the world and enthusiastically experience beer, food, and social culture in all its
many varieties… stories he will gladly share with you over a pint. He has been a resident of Austin since
1996 and is married to a native Austinite, Rebecca, with whom have two kids and a dog… all frequent,
and appreciative, patrons of the Co-op

.

Candidate’s Questions:
1. Why are you interested in serving on the Board of Directors of the Co-op?
I have been a member-owner since 02/23/2018, less than a year after my family first moved into
Midtown Commons. The Co-op has been my go-to refuge through thick and thin, being able to celebrate
or commiserate with my family, friends, and fellow patrons. It is an integral part of the community I live
in and source of many new friendships and comraderies. I feel like it is important for me to serve and
participate more deeply in an organization that I believe in and cherish.

2. What goals would you like to see Black Star Co-op achieve in the next year? Five years?

I would like to see the Co-op get its sales, hours, and staffing back up to prepandemic levels in the next
year, even slightly exceeding them. In five years, I would like to see us have more events with more
community partners. I think people really appreciate when establishments like the Co-op work to
support local non-profits – charities and social-service organizations – providing opportunities for patrons
to “give a little, get a little” in a social atmosphere. It would also be nice to host more unique live music
events in semi-regular fashion (e.g. Austin Bluegrass Improv).

3. What qualities and past experience do you have for serving on the Black Star Co-op Board of
Directors?
I am lucky enough to travel the world through my professional work and experience pub, food, and
social life in many other cultures. I hope that sharing such experiences can give the Co-op members,
board, and workers inspiration in finding new opportunities and ways of bringing the co-op experience
to more people. My current consulting role has me working with other non-profit organizations and my
previous professional experience also includes product marketing and sales for an international
software company. I hope I can bring ideas from those experiences to make the Co-op an even better
experience for even more people.

4. Name one way in which you’d like the Black Star Co-op Pub and Brewery to 6 stand out from
other local brewpubs.

I think the Co-op’s 7th principle, Concern for Community, can be further leveraged and promoted, by
engaging our local community organizations in a way most pubs don’t even consider and then getting
more press coverage for day-to-day operations as much as community-centric work and events. It may
be easier for the Co-op to stand out in a nexus of neighborhoods like Crestview/Highland/Brentwood,
where the pub options are scarcer, but it is even more compelling to expand our idea of “Concern for
Community” throughout the city and influence the behavior of consumers and other businesses.

5. What is your favorite Co-operative Principle and why?
#2 – Democratic Member Control. In an age where no one feels like they have any control or influence
over so many aspects of their life, having an opportunity to give a voice to your concerns and desires for
something that you are involved with on a daily, or casual, basis, is meaningful and unique.

 

 

Nov 12, 2021
| in Board of Directors, Culture, Membership
| by

Members Assembly and Thirsty Thursday

It has been quite the 18 months hasn’t it my friends! But this month as
the Austin sun returns to bake our fair city, we have an opportunity to
celebrate all that we have: our resilience, our humanity, our co-op, our
cold beer and our member owners!

In recognition of all that we have endured, BSCO would like to thank and
recognize all the members who have persevered with us in recent times
with a celebratory event, happy hour and social. Let’s get together,
review the state of the business, pull some (free for members) pitchers
from behind the bar, snack on some chips, and feel just a little bit of
that stress float away.

You are invited at 6pm on Thursday July 1st to join us at BSCO to meet
with your fellow member/owners as well as the worker assembly and board
members. We shall review the annual report, conduct feedback activities
relevant to the operation of your co-op, hear the vision the kitchen,
beer and business teams have for the coming year, and drink a beer or
two. Or three (responsibly).

We recognize that as our membership grows, we should not limit this
event to only those within reach of the pub. We alas, cannot post you a
beer, but I shall set up a zoom link so that you can chat questions and
have your say with regards to the operation of your co-op. Please email
me at graham.green@blackstar.coop for login information with subject
line “Thirsty Thursday”.

Many thanks and all the best. See you on July 1st @ 6PM.

Jun 17, 2021
| in Beer, Board of Directors, Culture, Kitchen, Membership, Uncategorized
| by

Volunteer Opportunity: Report Committee

Dear Valued Member-Owners –

The Workers’ Assembly and the Black Star Board are currently preparing
the 2020 Report to Member-Owners.  We are looking for one or two
volunteers to assist in reviewing the report, asking any questions, and
providing a stamp of approval.  This volunteer opportunity will require
anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours total, over one or two meetings.  The first
meeting will be held on May 19th from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM.
If you are interested in joining us in this work, please contact Dacia
Schoolfield at dacia.schoolfield@blackstar.coop.

Prost!

May 07, 2021
| in Board of Directors, Culture, Membership
| by

Board of Directors Election Results

Many thanks to all of our Member-Owners who voted in the Fall 2020 Co-Op election. We had a significant voter turnout, and the results are in. The Black Star Board of Directors welcomes two returning board members and one new board member. The BOD members will be officially named to the board in the December 2020 meeting and their terms begin January 1, 2021.

Returning: John Warren
John has 20+ years of business &amp; technology management experience, and he is also an
extremely consistent Member-Owner; he can be found at the Co-Op most Wednesday evenings. John finished his first term on the Black Star Board of Directors and looks forward to supporting
the Co-Op in the years to come. He would like to focus on Co-Op survival and growth, in a post
COVID-19 world.

Returning: Dacia Schoolfield
Dacia has 20+ experience in Quality Control Management; she has also moonlighted as a
Culinary &amp; Pastry Arts Student. Dacia finished her first term on the BOD, and is excited to
continue supporting the Workers’ Assembly, as well as her fellow board members. She will
focus on effective communication between the WA and the BOD, as well as supporting the team
in pursuing grants and available funding sources.

New: Brian Crum
Brian and his family relocated to the Austin area in 2012. Black Star was his first local brewpub
in the Austin area, and remains his favorite to this day. An engineer by degree, he has worked in
aerospace, automotive and now urban mobility. He has travelled extensively in Europe and Asia
and enjoys meeting new people and experiencing different cultures. He has many lifelong
friendships that started with six simple words, “Can I buy you a beer?”

If you would like more information regarding the Black Star Board of Directors, please check out the
BOD page. As always, if you have questions for the board, please send an email to board@blackstar.coop.
Thank you for being a Member-Owner and thank you for being involved in the Black Star Co-op. As we
approach the holiday season, don’t forget that Black Star merch always makes for a good gift, as do gift
cards, crowlers, and growlers.
See you at the pub.
Prost!

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Dec 04, 2020
| in Board of Directors, Culture, Membership
| by

Onward & Upwards: A Reflection

This. Has. Been. A. Year.

Who would have thought right at the beginning of January 2020 that in the year to come we’d face a
global pandemic, a crazy presidential election, the loss of Alex Trebek, and the loss of Sean Connery – all
in the same year. I, like many of you, am looking forward to putting 2020 in the rearview mirror. Regardless, we enter that time of year where reflection, compassion, and the thirst for progress ushers
us into 2021. I reflect on what’s important, significant, and what brings me happiness: family, friends,
friendly faces at Black Star Co-Op, and a freshly poured pint of Vulcan on the patio.
Due to the heroic efforts of the Workers’ Assembly, and through the dedication of our amazing
Member-Owners, Black Star Co-Op not only celebrated a ten-year anniversary this year, but the pub
remains open, operational, and ready to offer up inspired craft beer with a side of amazing food.
We are all fortunate to have Black Star in our lives – to support an institution that celebrates the worker,
is democratically controlled, provides meaningful and exceptional services, while also building a true
sense of Gemütlichkeit.
So take a moment to reflect on the year you’ve had, the year we’ve all had. And come on down to the
Co-op for a cold beer and some good food. Celebrate the inevitable end of 2020, and more importantly,
celebrate the year to come. I propose a toast to honor Black Star, the Workers’ Assembly, and the
Member-Owners. Together, we will prevail.
I look forward to seeing you at the pub.
Prost!

Dec 04, 2020
| in Board of Directors, Culture, Membership, Uncategorized
| by

Fall Members’ Assembly Meeting

Come one, come all, join us this Fall for a virtual Member-Owners meeting!  

During these crazy, pandemic times, we are moving the Member-Owners meeting to an online platform.  We encourage all M/Os to join us this Sunday, November 15th at 10am; please RSVP here.

We’ll have an action-packed agenda to cover with everyone.  Well, maybe not quite as exciting as JCVD’s latest flick, but still chock-full of data, anecdotes, the occasional laugh, and fun surprises.

After the virtual meeting, plan to head to the pub for a socially distant, outdoor pint with members from the Board of Directors, as well as with our esteemed members of the Workers’ Assembly. 

In the meantime, stay safe, healthy, and drink good beer. 

Nov 06, 2020
| in Board of Directors, Culture, Membership, Uncategorized
| by

Candidate Questions and Answers

[Candidates appear in alphabetic order]

Brian Crum

Why are you interested in serving on the Board of Directors of the Co-op?
When I first moved to Austin, Black Star was one of the first local brewery’s I visited. Over the years, it remains one of my favorites – good food, great beer! Being a co-op makes it even more unique. When it became apparent that many Austin restaurants and bars were not going to survive COVID-19, I made a list of those that I would really miss and a commitment to support them. Black Star was on that list. Becoming a Director is part of that commitment to do everything I can to help ensure it not only survives
but thrives.

What goals would you like to see Black Star Co-op achieve in the next year? Five years? My 1-year goal would be to ensure BSCO navigates the rapidly changing business environment while staying true to its Co-op principles. This means we are nimble and flexible and able to adapt quickly as needed. Over a 5-year period, in addition to a thriving business, I would like to see every customer who visits BSCO want to become a Member-Owner. Be more than a customer. The Co-op has created an environment and such a unique selling proposition that anyone who loves the beer and food can’t help but want to be part of it.


What qualities and past experience do you have for serving on the Black Star Co-op Board of Directors?
In my professional life, I have attended board meetings as a member of management and company officer for the past 8 years. I am well versed in financial and operational disciplines as well as the fiduciary duties that would be required of a member of Black Star Co-op Board of Directors. I am also familiar with the Co-op principles as we were part of a co-op school when my children were younger. I did some homebrewing when I was in college. My beer was pretty bad so that only reinforced that I am
a better beer drinker than brewer. Name one way in which you’d like the Black Star Co-op Pub and Brewery to stand out from other local brewpubs.
To quote a line from the TV show Cheers. “You wanna be where everybody knows your name”. Every brewpub has its own vibe. Based on location (i.e. not in an industrial park), I think Black Star can be the neighborhood pub that others cannot. It has the right location and right size (not too big, not too small) to be the place you stop by with friends after work for a beer and a delicious bite to eat.
What is your favorite Co-operative Principle and why?
The 7 th Principal: Concern for Community is my favorite principle. Sustainable development and sustainable resources are important principles in today’s world. The fact that the co-op embraced this concept years before it came to the forefront of popular conversation says something about our core beliefs. Creating and now operating a business that will contribute to the community for years to come by being mindful of our resources and the impact to future generations is inspiring.

Dacia Schoolfield

Why are you interested in serving on the Board of Directors of the Co-op?
The opportunity to serve on the Black Star BODs is a unique, interesting, and challenging experience. Over the past three years, I’ve learned a great deal about how the co-op runs, measures its performance, gauges success, and improves organizational output. I’ve also learned about policy
governance and democratic worker control. Most importantly though, I’ve forged relationships with the Workers’ Assembly and want to continue to foster an environment where communication, trust, and diligent efforts are rewarded. I am personally committed to the Black Star Co-Op, the Black Star team, and have a legitimate stake in seeing Black Star succeed.


What goals would you like to see Black Star Co-op achieve in the next year? Five years?
I’d like to see Black Star in a financially stable position, while still supporting the basic tenets that make Black Star unique: paying livable wages, locally sourcing, commitment to the community at large, etc. I’d
like to see an expanded marketing presence, establishing Black Star as the cornerstone neighborhood brew pub.


What qualities and past experience do you have for serving on the Black Star Co-op Board of Directors?
With twenty years of manufacturing experience, fifteen of which spent in quality management and team building roles, I’ve developed both personally and professionally. This development includes: a strong but gentle voice, a passion for processes, enthusiasm for the worker, and a commitment to contribute my personal best. I’ve learned patience, communication, empathy and drive. I’ve been able to draw upon my professional experience during my time on the Black Star board (2017 – 2020), and I look forward to continuing my service.


Name one way in which you’d like the Black Star Co-op Pub and Brewery to stand out from other local brewpubs.
To differentiate Black Star from other options, I’d focus on 1) crafting memorable, award-winning beer 2) creating a simple but innovative menu, with some portion rotating based on season, and 3) creating a family-friendly environment.


What is your favorite Co-operative Principle and why?
Out of the seven co-operative principles, the principle that speaks the most to me is that of Democratic Member Control. There is strength in autonomy, in independence and strength in numbers. Democratic Member Control captures the significance of each member’s voice – with not one individual’s voice, opinion, or desire being greater than his or her neighbor’s. I believe in the co-operative board working for and with the Workers Assembly, with ultimate responsibility to the co-op members.

John Warren

Why are you interested in serving on the Board of Directors of the Co-op?
I want to continue working with the Board especially during these unprecedented CV-19 times and support Black Star to whatever is next.


What goals would you like to see Black Star Co-op achieve in the next year? Five years?

I’ve always believed in the unique business model of the Co-op and believe that Black Star will survive these unprecedented times. The Member-Owner model, together with its Community focus, has proven resilience. What comes next after the pandemic is the big unknown. My goal is the survival and future growth of Black Star as a business yet to be defined.


What qualities and past experience do you have for serving on the Black Star Co-op Board of Directors?
I have 20+ years of business management experience albeit not in the brewing or restaurant business, however, I believe that I have proven the value of my acumen as a board member.

Name one way in which you’d like the Black Star Co-op Pub and Brewery to stand out from other local brewpubs.
The Black Star Co-op model survived and then thrived post CV-19!


What is your favorite Co-operative Principle and why?
As a second-term candidate, my favorite principal has changed to 5th Principle: Education, Training and Information. During these unprecedented times we are all learning and sharing for the benefit and
survival of Black Star.

Oct 19, 2020
| in Board of Directors, Membership
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Board Meeting Review

As long-time regular patrons of Black Star who enjoy the house beer and the wonderful staff, we have come to feel like a part of the Black Star family. We saw how the Co-op handled the COVID19 difficulties, successfully rising above other businesses in keeping patrons and staff safe while continuing to stay open, and were intrigued by the great opportunity offered in the May newsletter to attend a board meeting as guests.

Although we didn’t have any expectations beyond observing the meeting, we were immediately welcomed into the Zoom forum with an introduction of each member and warmly invited to participate throughout the meeting.  It was a bit disappointing to know that only one board member is female, but refreshing to learn that Dacia is the dedicated president (who attended despite feeling under the weather).  The board is comprised of a mixture of legacy and new members, and all seemingly dedicated to offering their talents to the success of our coop.

After a thorough presentation of the current state of affairs by Chris, who represented the staff, a few other topics were covered.  The meeting was run efficiently, and members were very respectful of each other’s time and contributions. We left feeling that the Co-op is in great competent hands, and that this is a group we would feel comfortable contributing as members.

Jul 16, 2020
| in Board of Directors, Culture, Membership
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