Fort Dodge area beer lovers couldn’t be happier. The new owners of River Hops Brewing, located downtown at 1014 Central Ave, are keeping what former owners Ron and Diane Grebner started and adding some of their own creations.

Twenty years of home brewing led them to the possibility of owning the business that the Grebners opened in the summer of 2018.

“When I heard River Hops was for sale, I knew instantly we were going to buy it, then spent the next six months making it happen,” Greg Larson said. “It’s been great and somewhat nerve-wracking to own a business, but the great side outweighs the other.”

The Eagle Grove natives closed on the business sale on Sept. 30. They’ve added some new aesthetics, including a popcorn machine and new chairs and couches for customers along with plans to expand the drink menu.

-Messenger photo by Mark Adkins
A look at the brewery operation for River Hops.

“I come back to the experimentation thought,” Greg Larson said. “You try something and if it doesn’t work, you move on with another idea.”

So far, the results have been impressive, while the Larsons plan for new offerings including their creations, hard seltzers, flavored malts, ready-to-drink cocktails, and more.

“We’re not making significant changes to anything Ron and Diane created,” he said. “Any changes are additive. Ron and Diane were and continue to be a tremendous help to us as we carry on the River Hops tradition.”

“It comes down to two things — customer experience and local partnerships,” he added. “River Hops Brewing and its craft beer is for everyone to foster conversations, develop partnerships, and strengthen community. We see friends, family, co-workers, and members of the community coming together, sitting down and sharing their lives and discussing what needs to get done while taking in the welcoming presence of our taproom, sitting back and taking in live music, or at home watching a game with neighbors sharing our beer.”

The crown jewel of the early stages of ownership is right around the corner for the Larsons. They host an Oktoberfest celebration tonight. Live polka music, catering of the traditional Oktoberfest fare, and live music in the evening from Jeff and Mitch Harms highlight the schedule.

-Messenger photo by Mark Adkins
River Hops co-owner Greg Larson unloads some product for the business.

“When we found out the city Oktoberfest celebration had fallen through, we decided to put together our own,” Greg Larson said. “It gives us a chance to introduce ourselves to the community and meet new people.”

Like the young family they are, the Larsons welcome adults, children, and everyone through their doors.

“It’s a family-friendly atmosphere,” he said. “We have board games, a tradition that Ron and Diane started, live music routinely, and more things planned for the future.”

Continuing to experiment at every stage … just like what led the Larson family to their love of brewing.

“Ann had the idea first,” Greg Larson said. “We gave it a shot, and our first attempt was good. We haven’t stopped since.”