Fire Ant Brewing Company, the Old Town Tomball brewpub that started as a backyard hobby, will pour its last beers next Sunday as owners Bruce and Sylvia Kissinger step into retirement. The closure caps an eight-year run that turned the taproom into a go-to stop for downtown Tomball diners and families.
In a Facebook post announcing their retirement, the Kissingers shared that the taproom's final day will be next Sunday and offered a heartfelt thank you to patrons, writing, "This place has been so much more than a business to us, it has been our passion, our pride, and truly a second home," according to Houston Chronicle. The message closed by thanking guests for "every visit, every laugh, and every moment you chose to spend with us," the post said.
From Backyard Batches To Market Street
Owner Bruce Kissinger first brewed five-gallon batches over an open flame before turning the pastime into a full-fledged taproom, and Fire Ant opened its Market Street location in 2018, according to the brewery's website. Over time the brewpub built a lineup of house-brewed German-style beers and elevated pub food that helped cement Old Town Tomball as a weekend destination for locals.
Final Weekend Details
The Kissingers' Facebook note centered on gratitude and community as they shared their retirement plans. Customers eyeing one more visit for a last pint are encouraged to check the brewery's site for any updates on final hours or possible farewell events.
A Rough Spring For Small Brewers
Fire Ant's news lands during a run of taproom shake-ups across the Houston area this spring. True Anomaly's EaDo taproom closed April 30 after construction and expansion delays, as reported by Express-News. That closure and others have beer fans watching to see which neighborhood breweries can ride out rising costs and shifting development pressures.
Longtime customers say Fire Ant helped anchor Market Street's restaurant row, and the Kissingers have said they will carry those memories into retirement. For hours and announcements about final-week specials, the brewery's own website lists contact details and current schedules at Fire Ant Brewing.
