Today we’d like to introduce you to Annie Gilstrap.
Hi Annie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Our story began as a true family effort. My husband Brian, his brother Matt, and I set out on this journey together, doing everything ourselves that we possibly could. Around the same time, Brian and I were excited to start our own family after ten years of marriage. What we didn’t expect was that our twins would arrive extremely prematurely at just 25 weeks, each weighing just over a pound. After 142 days in the NICU and facing numerous health challenges, we finally brought them home. During that time, our son suffered a stroke, leaving him with severe special needs and requiring us to completely rethink what our future would look like.
Through that life-altering season, family became our anchor. Brian and Matt had been brewing beer together since 2002 as a hobby, steadily refining their craft over the years. Seeing their passion and talent grow, I felt it was time to share what they had created with more than just friends and family. That idea became the spark behind ETX Brewing Co.
We signed our lease in May 2016 and opened our doors in January 2017, starting with a small taproom in downtown Tyler. The overwhelming support from the community—despite a cold January opening—quickly showed us the need to grow. That growth led to expansion and the addition of craft food to match our craft beer. Today, ETX Brewing Co. remains rooted in the same values that started it all: family, resilience, collaboration, and a love for creating something meaningful together.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like many small, family-run businesses, we’ve faced more than our share of hurdles. COVID and the post-COVID landscape were especially challenging, followed by steep price increases across the board—from food and supplies to energy costs. Labor shortages, ongoing supply-chain disruptions, and rising competition have all added pressure, while shifting consumer habits continue to reshape the industry. Most recently, ongoing downtown construction has created additional obstacles for visibility and access. Each of these challenges has been crippling at times, but they’ve also forced us to adapt, stay lean, and rely heavily on one another. Being family-owned has made the road harder—but it’s also what’s allowed us to keep going.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
ETX Brewing Co. is a family-owned and operated brewpub located in the heart of downtown Tyler, Texas. At our core, we’re about creating a welcoming space where great beer, great food, and great people come together. We offer more than 20 craft beers on tap at any given time, with a lineup that’s always evolving. Our five core brews are the foundation of what we do, complemented by seasonal fan favorites our guests look forward to each year and a rotating selection of new beers that keeps things fresh and exciting.
We also understand that not everyone is a beer drinker, and that inclusivity matters to us. In addition to beer, we offer a thoughtful selection of wines, ciders, and mead, along with non-alcoholic options, so there truly is something for everyone who walks through our doors.
What sets us apart is our family-first mindset. From the way we run our business to how we treat our staff and guests, everything is rooted in care, community, and authenticity. We’re most proud of the brand we’ve built—one that reflects resilience, creativity, and a genuine love for our craft. We want readers to know that when they visit ETX Brewing Co., they’re not just supporting a local brewery; they’re stepping into a place built by family, for family, with intention behind every pour.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memory is definitely family vacations. Whether it was an off-the-grid camping trip or a full-scale Disney adventure, there was something special about stepping away from the hustle and daily responsibilities. Those trips created space for truly wholesome family time—being present, laughing together, and building memories that still shape how I value family today.
Pricing:
- Craft Food Ranging from $2.50-$15
- Craft Beers Ranging from $3-$7
- Sharable Apps from $6.50-$15
- Wine by the glass $7-$16.50
Contact Info:
- Website: https://etxbrew.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/etxbrew
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/etxbrew
