Three beer glasses coming together from three separate arms, signifying the three original owners of Rapp's Barren Brewing Company in Mountain Home Arkansas

Our Story

Historic

Rapp's Barren

Three owners of Rapp's Barren Brewing Company in Mountain Home, Arkansas standing in front of a beautiful hand painted mural on the historic building.

Rapp’s Barren really has two histories, that of the brewery and that of “My Sweet Mountain Home”, originally called Rapp’s Barren. Legend has it that Henry Rapp first settled in this area of the Ozarks in the early 1800’s naming it Rapp’s Barren. Through time it became known for its sweet breeze on hot, humid days and the phrase “My Sweet Mountain Home” was born and eventually voted as an official name of Mountain Home. 

Rapp’s Barren the brewery was formed after Russell and Chris began home brewing beer together in their garages, entered some competitions for some critique on their creations and after some very positive feedback and local awards, the itch started to try something new. One thing led to another and before they knew it they had signed a lease on their first home away from home which is an entire story in itself! We officially opened our doors on September 15th, 2017 to incredible support and positive feedback, leading us to decide not only did we want to stay for long term but this hobby turned business could be supported as well. This officially started the search to find a full time brewer and permanent home. 

Kyle was a gigantic support from the beginning and immediately connected with Chris and Russell in helping brew, answer technical questions and pitch in new ideas. He came on staff soon after to help part time which quickly led to not only a full time brewer but business partner as well. 

During this time the square in downtown Mountain Home was priming to burst alive and we knew we’d love to be there, but no opportunity was coming up that met our vision for growth and sustainability so we kept looking and dreaming patiently. In true Rapp’s fashion, the Baker Building fell into our laps and met virtually every checkbox on our list so we jumped at it. From there it just made sense to expand to food service and provide quality food with our delicious brews, not to mention renovating this old story of a building into a new story, hopefully for generations of our family and friends to enjoy!

Rapp's Barren construction video image placeholder
History

Construction of Rapp's

Rapp's Barren entrance image for the video fly through video
Fly Through

our historic building

The journey

over a century of history

1892

The Square

The Baker building was originally the first building built on the historic downtown square in Mountain Home

2015

The First Barrel

Russell and Chris begin brewing together out of their garages and start collaborating on recipe designs

2016

Award Winners

After winning their first competition at Baxter County Library's Pub Night fundraiser, a new brewery idea is formulated between friends

Old time photo mockup of the old Rapp's Barren Brewing Company location in Mountain Home Arkansas
2017

One Dream

Rapp's Barren Brewing Company officially opens it's doors at the first location in Mountain Home

2019

Baker Building

The Historic Baker Building is purchased by Rapp's Barren and the work begins to preserve and restore the building

The District logo from Mountain Home Arkansas which was replaced by the Baker District logo in 2023
2019

The District

The entertainment district is approved and formed as part of the historic downtown Mountain Home

Old time photo mockup of Rapp's Barren Brewing Company in Mountain Home Arkansas
2021

New Location

Opened the newly remodeled downtown location to great success, which helped bring more business to downtown

Baker District Logo with Park Walk Explore and the Mountain Home emblem on the bottom right corner
2023

Baker District

The downtown district is renamed Baker District. Rapp's Barren is proud to be a part of Baxter County history

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Rapp's Barren Brewery Company, Mountain Home Arkansas

Hours:
Mon – Closed
Tues – Thurs 11am – 9pm
Fri – Sat 11am – 10pm
Sun 10am – 5pm
(Brunch 10am – 4pm)

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