USA, TX: Flying Rhino Brewing Company planning opening by next spring or summer

Ryan DeLaRosa said he first started brewing beer when he got a starter kit from a brewing supply store in the Katy area about five years ago.

Fast forward to present day and the Dickinson native along with his business partner Matt Emmite, an army veteran, plan to open the Flying Rhino Brewing Company on a 2-acre lot by next spring or summer, Chron.com reported on May .

"[I] got together with some friends, made our first batch and kind of fell in love right away," DeLaRosa said. "I have learned a lot since then through studying, talking to a lot of other brewers. ...We've got more learning to do but we are confident we can do it."

On just under two acres, the Flying Rhino Brewing Company will encompass a 2100 square foot indoor tap room, 1500 square foot outdoor patio and a 6000 square foot production room. DeLaRosa said the brewery will be family friendly and the large outdoor area will be used to host games and other events.

There are no plans for a kitchen yet, but DeLaRosa said they plan to offer food trucks on site. Renderings of the space call for a wooden and metal, industrial feel, somewhat similar to an airplane hangar, DeLaRosa said.

DeLaRosa said he hopes to open with five custom craft beers on tap that will be more "approachable" compared to other craft beers. Wine, cider and root beer may also be offered at the brewery, pending final plans, he said.

"Craft beer is still growing a lot on the south side of Houston. ...We want to add to that and bring some of that to Dickinson," DeLaRosa said. "We will make a lot of the crazy stuff that big-time craft beer fans like and we want to have some stuff that is approachable for people that are just figuring it out."

DeLaRosa said aside from following his dream job of owning his own brewery, he knew he wanted to open Flying Rhino Brewing Company so he could bring the craft beer trend back home.

"I think that area is slightly under-served when it comes to craft beer. There is not a whole lot [of options,]" DeLaRosa said. "We know the people, we have lots of friends and family there, it just made a lot of sense that we wanted to do this."

While plans are not final yet, DeLaRosa said the brewery will open west of I-45 on FM 517 next year, with plans for a grand opening celebration still underway. DeLaRosa added the brewery is partially veteran owned, as Emmite is an army veteran.

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