Fire Ant Brewpub to Close in Old Town Tomball After Eight Years of Food, Craft Beer and Community Memories
A cornerstone of Old Town Tomball’s dining and craft beer scene is preparing to serve its final pints this month, as Fire Ant Brewpub announced it will permanently close on Sunday, May 17, ending an eight-year run that helped redefine nightlife and community gathering in the historic district.
Located at 308 Market St. near Tomball’s Depot entertainment district, Fire Ant Brewpub became more than just a restaurant and brewery for many residents across Tomball, Cypress, Magnolia, Spring and The Woodlands. Since opening in 2018, the locally owned business built a reputation as a welcoming, family-friendly destination known for house-made German-style beers, chef-driven comfort food and a laid-back atmosphere that reflected Tomball’s small-town charm and German heritage.
In a heartfelt social media announcement shared May 5, owners Bruce and Sylvia Kissinger reflected on the difficult decision to retire and close the business they helped build into one of Old Town Tomball’s best-known local establishments.
“After eight unforgettable years, Fire Ant Brewpub will be closing its doors the evening of Sunday May 17th, 2026,” the owners wrote.
The announcement quickly drew emotional reactions online from longtime customers, regulars and community supporters who described the brewpub as a favorite meeting spot for celebrations, casual dinners and weekend gatherings.
Fire Ant Brewing Company was founded by Bruce and Sylvia Kissinger alongside Carl and Kurt Hohnholt. Bruce Kissinger originally began brewing small five-gallon batches over an open flame before expanding his hobby into a full-scale brewing operation featuring a 5 BBL Braumeister brewing system. That passion eventually became one of Tomball’s first true brewpub experiences.
Over the years, the brewery developed a strong following for its Signature Series beers and seasonal favorites including Antoberfest, Phantom Pumpkin and Starkbier. Popular pours included Heavenweizen, Sand Castle Kolsch, Slam Dunk Pilsner and Mosaic Ant IPA.
The food menu also became a major draw. Executive Chef Jay Stone blended American, German, Korean and Japanese influences into a menu that stood apart from traditional pub fare. Customer favorites included the Texas Pretzel with Slam Dunk Pilsner beer cheese, the Fire Ant Reuben, Sweet Tea Fried Chicken Sandwich and Schnitzel Sandwich. The brewpub’s menu also featured creative shareables like Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts, Fire Ant Nachos and Chili Crisp Noodles.
Its weekday lunch offerings further cemented the restaurant as a local go-to destination for downtown workers, families and visitors exploring Old Town Tomball.
The owners said the business became deeply personal over the years as relationships with customers and staff evolved into something that felt more like extended family.
“This place has been so much more than a business to us, it has been our passion, our pride, and truly a second home,” the owners shared in their post.
Fire Ant’s large patio, balcony seating, pet-friendly atmosphere and indoor-outdoor bars helped make it a popular social destination as Tomball’s downtown district continued growing into a regional entertainment hub. Many residents credited the brewpub with helping energize Old Town Tomball’s nightlife during a period of rapid growth and increasing tourism for the city.
The closure also reflects a changing moment for many locally owned restaurants and breweries as longtime operators weigh retirement, rising operating costs and work-life balance after years in the hospitality industry.
For the Kissingers, the decision ultimately came down to family and the desire to slow down after nearly a decade of running one of Tomball’s busiest local establishments.
“We are also looking forward to slowing down and spending more time with our family, especially our granddaughter,” the owners wrote.
Fire Ant Brewpub will remain open through Sunday, May 17. The owners encouraged customers to stop by one final time to share memories, meals and a last toast before the doors close for good.
The restaurant currently operates from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The brewpub is closed Tuesdays.
As Tomball continues evolving, many residents say Fire Ant Brewpub leaves behind more than a successful business. For countless locals, it became part of the city’s identity — a place where birthdays were celebrated, friendships were formed and visitors experienced the welcoming spirit that defines Old Town Tomball.
Residents looking to visit before the closure can find Fire Ant Brewpub at 308 Market St., Tomball, TX 77375.
Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for continuing coverage of business openings, restaurant news and community developments across Tomball and northwest Harris County.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.