About Us
Learn about Ivanhoe Ale Works! We are housed in what was once the iconic Star and State Theater in Downtown Denison, we’ve swapped film reels for brewing tanks—but the magic of creation remains the same. Founded in 2015, Ivanhoe Ale Works brings a mouthwatering magic to every pint, with a renegade crew dedicated to elevating the Texoma craft beer scene while keeping things fun, fresh, and full of flavor.
The lore doesn’t end there—our roots run deeper, connected to the well-loved Homestead Winery. For over 30 years, Homestead Winery has been a Texas wine staple, known for pushing boundaries and making unforgettable wines. So, when the same family decided to jump into the craft beer world, they brought that spirit of creativity along for the ride. The result? Ivanhoe Ale Works– where good times and great beer meet!
Lights, Camera, Brew!
Repurposing the old theater was the perfect move for a brewery with as much character as its beers. Just like a great movie tells a story, each beer at Ivanhoe has its own plot twist—whether it’s a malt-forward masterpiece or a hop-heavy blockbuster, you’re in for an unforgettable experience. And the best part? This crew has full creative freedom to experiment and bring new flavors to the forefront, something you won’t find at your typical big-name brewery.
At Ivanhoe Ale Works, we believe beer should be an experience, not just a drink. Step into the brewery, and you’re greeted by more than just great brews; you’re stepping into a space where the past and present meet. The walls still echo with the history of moviegoers, but now they share the stage with the clinking of pint glasses and the buzz of a new craft beer revolution. Whether you’re here to grab a flight of something new or hang out with friends, there’s always a story brewing at Ivanhoe.
And with our close connection to Homestead Winery, the flavors never stop. Our shared passion for quality and creativity flows through every bottle and keg, blending the best of wine and beer into a family of craft beverages that reflects the best of Texas.
So, raise a glass, and let’s toast to the magic of craft beer at Ivanhoe Ale Works—where the plot always thickens with every pour.
Continuing the Parker Family Legacy: Meet Rebecca!
Raised in the heart of the Texas wine industry, Rebecca Parker practically grew up among the vines. Her deep connection to the land and a passion for Texas wine, passed down through generations of her family, naturally led her to embrace the craft beverage world. Now, as Chief Financial Officer of both Homestead Winery and Ivanhoe Ale Works, Rebecca brings her love for Texas wine and craft beer to the forefront of her work.
With a keen sense of leadership and a deep understanding of the family business, Rebecca plays a pivotal role in guiding the small but tenacious staff as they work to honor and expand the Parker Family legacy. Her financial expertise helps keep both the winery and brewery thriving, while her passion for quality ensures that every bottle of wine and pint of beer is crafted with care. Rebecca’s vision is simple: carry forward the family tradition of creativity and excellence, while embracing new flavors and ideas to keep things exciting.
Whether it’s working behind the scenes to manage the numbers or collaborating on new ideas to enhance the business, Rebecca is a driving force behind the continued success of Homestead Winery and Ivanhoe Ale Works. With her at the helm, the Parker Family legacy is taking on a new revolution.
Get to Know Our Brewmaster, Bryan!
Bryan Thomas didn’t set out to become a brewmaster—it all started with a simple suggestion from his wife: “You need a hobby.” Little did she know that her gift of a home brew kit would spark a passion that would completely change his life. That first batch of beer brewed in his kitchen kicked off a journey from hobbyist to professional, and today, Bryan is the creative force behind every pint poured at Ivanhoe Ale Works.
At the time, Bryan was working at Ben E. Keith, delivering beer, when he decided to enter their company brewing competition. To his surprise, he won! That victory gave him the confidence to take brewing seriously. But life threw a twist into his plot—a surgery sidelined him for three months. During that time, he realized that going back to delivering beer wasn’t where his heart was. He wanted to make it instead.
Bryan jumped headfirst into the brewing world, starting with a journeyman beer class at Eastfield College, where he began to immerse himself in the art and science of brewing. Determined to learn everything he could, he spent months interning at local breweries like Tupps, 903, and Shannon, soaking up knowledge and developing his skills. This hands-on experience laid the foundation for what was to come.
His big break came when he landed an interview at Steam Theory Brewing, where he was hired as an assistant brewer under the mentorship of Kirk, a brewing veteran with more than 20 years of experience. For the next few years, Bryan learned everything he could, from brewing techniques to developing his own recipes. It was at Steam Theory where he started to hone his signature style and take on more responsibilities, almost like an assistant brewmaster. Unfortunately, when Steam Theory closed its doors, Bryan found himself looking for a new home in the beer world.
Next stop: Deep Ellum Brewing, where Bryan spent two years expanding his repertoire and gaining even more experience in a larger-scale production environment. While the job was rewarding, Bryan’s creative spirit was itching for more freedom. Big production brewing often meant sticking to established recipes, with little room for experimentation. He wanted to explore new flavors, try bold ideas, and craft beers that were as unique as the space they were brewed in.
That’s when Ivanhoe Ale Works came calling. With Ivanhoe, Bryan found exactly what he was looking for—the freedom to experiment, create, and push the boundaries of craft beer. Located in a repurposed theater in Downtown Denison, Ivanhoe Ale Works is a perfect reflection of Bryan’s brewing philosophy: rooted in tradition but always open to experimenting. His creative freedom allows him to craft the beers he’s passionate about.
Beyond brewing, Bryan’s life is full of interests. He loves playing video games, watching documentaries, fishing, and hunting for antiques. A cancer survivor originally from Maryland, he shares life with his wife and two boys. His favorite movie? Masters of the Universe (1987), while his music tastes stretch from punk rock to Lionel Richie to Wu-Tang Clan.
So, the next time you’re sipping an Ivanhoe brew, remember—you’re not just tasting a drink; you’re sharing in Bryan’s journey, poured into every pint. Cheers!
