Andrew Crowe enjoyed his first craft beer at Roosevelt’s at 7 on Main Street in McAllen.

Crowe was a home brewer and envisioned partnering with a friend to someday open his own brewery. It could be a place where family and friends could gather.

Crowe’s friend changed course and became a firefighter while Crowe went on to work at Roosevelt’s. He would eventually decide to apply for a two-year brewing science program in Colorado. Crowe was accepted to the program and headed to Denver.

It wasn’t long before Crowe realized on-the-job training fit his personality and vision more than classroom training did. He stayed in Colorado and worked at Brewability in Englewood, an inclusive brewery and pizzeria that employs adults with disabilities to brew craft beer.

“I got a chance to help brewing professionals with special needs,” said Crowe of working at the Denver-area brewery.

A highlight of that job was using the American sign language skills he learned in high school to sign with a deaf bartender. Crowe’s next step was to land a job at Golden City Brewery in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. He spent the next five years in the city of Golden learning the trade from an award-winning master brewer.

Coming Home 

Crowe wasn’t the only one envisioning a craft-beer brewery.

Back in his hometown, a group of small business owners in McAllen shared Crowe’s passion for brewing and began developing a plan. The group’s vision took shape and they thought of Crowe, who they knew from his Roosevelt’s days. They reached out to Crowe. 

“We’ve been watching you,” one of the owners told him. “Bring your passion home.” 

They wanted Crowe to take on the role of head brewer. He initially hesitated in thinking about the dreaded heat of the Rio Grande Valley. But that didn’t last long. He would head home. 

Crowe would find a fully developed business plan and a concept for a new brewery in McAllen. It would be called Howling Rabbits BeerWorks and its name draws upon Aztec lore. In Mexican mythology, the Centzon Tōtōchtin are a group of divine rabbits. Legend has it that they frequently meet for parties, and when inebriated, the rabbits howl. 

It’s an intriguing name for a local brewery that opened in McAllen in early May.  A brewery alone would not appeal to everyone. They wanted to create a feeling of approachability. 

“If you’re going to do something new in McAllen, it needs to be something unique,” said Steven Schwoerer, general manager of Howling Rabbits. “In addition to the brewery, we offer a full restaurant, a full cocktail bar, sports viewing, and live music.”

Customers can choose a variety of indoor seating or take the party outside to a grand covered patio area. Howling Rabbits is family-friendly and also welcomes pets.

Variety Of Choices

“First and foremost, it’s about the beer,” Schwoerer said.

Crowe created the recipes for the seven current Howling Rabbits craft beers. The early responses to the beverage offerings have been phenomenal and the brewery also hired a head chef to cook “food everyone knows and loves,” Schwoerer said.

 “But with flair,” Crowe added.

There are Philly egg rolls and a variety of pizzas that include some interesting choices like a fried Oreo pizza and two sweet pie choices. Customers also rave about the Baja fish tacos, the Tavern Burger, and a broccoli blue cheese salad. 

Chris and Gina Sanchez had the opportunity to meet Crowe during a recent night out at Howling Rabbits. Chris ordered the Howling Rabbits Flight, which allowed him to choose four Howling Rabbits ales. Gina raved about the IPA, (India Pale Ale, a hop-and-alcohol-heavy pale ale), telling Crowe she hadn’t found one she could enjoy until this one. 

“Someone once told me flavor should be like a conversation,” Crowe told the couple. “If one flavor is too pronounced or loud, it drowns out the subtle and delicate notes.” 

Crowe has been working 12-to-14-hour days to ensure his craft beer meets his high standards. The sacrifice is nothing compared to the reward. 

“I get to do what I’ve wanted to do for years,” he said, “and I get to share it with my family and friends.”