Workers Assembly

The Price is Right On, Man!

We think a lot about prices at the Co-op. We’re constantly making sure we offer quality products at reasonable prices, and of course, making sure we cover the costs of doing business. The Workers’ Assembly uses a pricing model that generates adequate income to be a successful business while also staying competitive within the market. So, as more and more craft beer bars open around Austin, you’ve watched our prices change to remain in-step with the competition. And while our prices increased, the standing Tuesday discount for member-owners has remained the same. That’s why I’m pleased to announce that starting today, Tuesday July 7th, the new discount for member-owner pint night is $2 off house pints. That’s right, just one more reason to stop in and make your membership work for you.

Co-ops exist to meet the needs of their member-owners and subscribe to an internationally recognized set of principles and values. Our Ends Policies express our community’s values and act as the guide for our daily operation’s ability to meet the needs of our member-owners. We showcase local and sustainable businesses and co-ops by offering their products, we support a living wage and democratic self-management, we support our community through sponsorships and donations to local organizations, and we educate our customers on how great it is to be a co-op. In the kitchen, we express our community’s values by offering high quality, locally-sourced, often sustainable, always ethical and humane food choices at extremely competitive prices.

I’m sure you can tell that we offer great products at a great price. In fact, we did a little price comparison on one of our most popular menu items – the Black Star Burger. We looked around and compared burgers of a similar quality — natural, hormone-free, anti-biotic free, and ground fresh in-house daily — and found that we, do indeed, offer an incredible value for our food. Check it out:

We feel that it is important maintain an accessible price point for our patrons and member-owners, that way we can all enjoy our Co-op. We hope you appreciate your membership experience, and continue to see the value of Black Star Co-op!

Jul 07, 2015
| in Kitchen, Membership
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2014 Annual Report Available Now

The Board of Directors and Workers’ Assembly have consistently tried to improve the delivery of the annual report. Our goal is to  provide our member-owners and friends with the most accurate financial information, coverage of memorable events, and description of changes to our Co-op for the previous year.

We typically provide the annual report to member-owners who attend the Members’ Assembly Meeting (our next one is set for Sunday May 31st). However, this year we’ve made the report available in advance. The 2014 Annual Report also has a lot more meat to it. We’ve included a picture of how Black Star Co-op fits into the larger cooperative economy, a map of cooperative brewpubs and breweries modeled after us, an article about our fulfillment of the ends policies in 2014, reports on membership growth and financial condition, and an idea of what you can expect to see from Black Star Co-op in 2015. 

2014 did present a lot of challenges for us. Financially, we show a loss for the year as a result of slower sales at the end of 2014 and higher remuneration of our tenured staff. We continue to manage the Co-op to reflect the needs and desires of the membership, but we’re in a period of adjustment while we work towards making us a more profitable business. 

We hope that this annual report serves as a reminder of the membership’s values and how the Workers’ Assembly works to meet your needs. We look forward to discussing our performance at the Members’ Assembly Meeting on May 31st. 

Since posting the 2014 Annual Report in early May, the Annual Report Review Committee has completed its review of the report Their recommendations and feedback have been included in the report. They will address the membership about the report at the Spring Members’ Assembly Meeting. 

View the 2014 Annual Report here.

May 05, 2015
| in Membership
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