Ferm Meadery to close amid financial pressures
Ferm Meadery in Conroe is closing its doors on June 29 after nearly five years. Founders Ben and Ashley Sunkes cited insurmountable economic headwinds,
CONROE — After nearly five years of serving as a gathering place for craft beverage enthusiasts in Montgomery County, Ferm Meadery is closing its doors. Founders Ben and Ashley Sunkes announced the decision to shutter their location at 10550 FM 1488, Suite 203, in a social media post on June 20, citing insurmountable economic headwinds.
The meadery’s final day of operation will be Saturday, June 29.
When the Sunkes first opened Ferm Meadery on November 2, 2019, they introduced the Conroe area to a modern take on one of the world’s oldest alcoholic beverages. Unlike traditional, heavy meads, the couple focused on a crisp, refreshing, and often carbonated style of honey wine. Their taproom became a fixture of the local social scene, frequently offering a rotation of 10 to 12 unique varieties made with locally sourced honey and seasonal ingredients.
Beyond the glass, the business acted as a community hub, regularly hosting trivia nights, open-mic sessions, live music, and rotating food trucks.
However, the path for small businesses in the post-pandemic era has proven treacherous. Ben Sunkes pointed to a "changing consumer landscape" and the relentless pressure of the current economic climate as the primary drivers behind the closure.
"We have fought hard to keep this dream alive," Sunkes said in the announcement. He cited ongoing supply chain disruptions and the rising costs of inflation as significant obstacles that made it increasingly difficult to meet operational expenses. The owners attempted to find a buyer for the meadery for roughly a year and a half, but were ultimately unable to secure a transition, leading to the difficult decision to cease operations.
The closure of Ferm Meadery marks a growing trend among craft alcohol producers in Texas, as rising material costs and shifting dining habits force many smaller establishments to reevaluate their viability.
While the chapter on Ferm Meadery is coming to a close, the Sunkes family is not exiting the small business space entirely. The couple intends to pivot their focus toward their other venture, Sunkes Sourdough. The artisan bread business, which has gained a local following of its own, will become the couple's primary professional focus moving forward.
Regular patrons and community members are encouraged to visit the taproom one last time during their final week of operation to support the staff and enjoy their remaining inventory. Updates regarding final hours and taproom specials can be found on their official Instagram page at @fermmeadery.