Featuring - Parker at Athens Brewing Co.

Some people walk into a place and never really leave.

That’s Parker.

She first stepped into Athens Brewing Co. back in 2016—as a customer. But by 2021, she had joined the team. Far more than a familiar face behind the taps, Parker has helped cultivate the welcoming, culture-rich environment locals lovingly call their second home.

The Vegetarian Disruptor, From Hops to Black-Eyed Peas

Inspired by Parker's "Ovo-Lacto" vegetarian lifestyle.

Vegetarian at a brewery?

You bet.

Thanks to Parker’s influence, Athens Brewing Co. quietly became one of the most vegetarian-friendly spots in Athens, Tx.—without compromising flavor. She follows an ovo-lacto vegetarian lifestyle, and the menu reflects that with dishes like the ABC Hummus, Caprese Pizza, and that unexpectedly addictive Black-Eyed Pea Bruschetta.

It’s all part of her legacy.

Parker’s Local "Ovo-Lacto" Favorites

Around here, vegetarian-friendly menus are rare—but Parker’s not one to settle. These are her go-to spots when she’s eating local and keeping it clean.

🌿 Plant-Powered Picks:

Romas Italian – Margarita pizza is crazy good, especially with the house salad
Chili’s – The Santa Fe Bowl (hold the chicken)
San Luis – A meat-free torta with full-on flavor

Painting with Pints

A Creative Pour from Parker

Parker launched Painting with Pints as a way to bring something fresh to the taproom—an experience that’s part happy hour, part art therapy, and all community. It’s a casual, come-as-you-are kind of night where guests swap bar stools for easels, raise a glass, and let the creativity flow.

Guests arrive around 5:00 PM to settle in, enjoy hors d'oeuvres, and grab two drinks of their choice (beer from Athens Brewing Co. or wine from their mother company, Tara Vineyards). The class usually runs about two hours, but Parker always leaves a little wiggle room—because good art, like good beer, shouldn’t be rushed.

No experience required. Just a paintbrush in one hand, a cold drink in the other, and plenty of laughter in between.

Trivia Nights, Parker Style with her Favorite IPA, The Educator

Parker’s favorite beer on the menu isn’t just about flavor—it’s about legacy.

The Educator IPA was named in honor of her friend, Dylan Wade Taylor—a brilliant local teacher, mathematician, and the previous trivia host at Athens Brewing Co. Known for his sharp mind and kind heart, Dylan helped shape the spirit of ABC, from inception.

Thursday Night Trivia at Athens Brewing Co — Today, Parker keeps that spirit alive.

She now hosts trivia nights with her own blend of humor, intelligence, and warmth—carrying the torch Dylan lit, and doing it in the place they both loved.

So next time you’re at ABC on trivia night, order an Educator and raise your glass to both of them.

In the seat he loved most, a quiet plaque now honors Dylan—a lasting tribute to the spirit he poured into this place.

What You’d Miss Without a Local

The Beer That Wasn’t Supposed to Be

The Mystery Machine IPA started out as a different style IPA all together, but somewhere along the way, the brew took on a life of its own.

The result?

Mystery Machine IPA – 6.9%

Something totally unexpected: a light, fruity IPA with a summer-perfect finish.

Blink and you’ll miss it. Mystery Machine wasn’t planned, and it won’t be repeated. So if you catch it on tap, don’t hesitate to grab a pint.

The Dog Wall

At Athens Brewing Co., pups aren’t just welcome—they’re part of the scene. Leashed dogs are allowed both inside and out, with water bowls on standby and friendly faces ready to greet them.

And yes, there’s a photo wall. Not just any wall—the Dog Wall. It’s where your pup can claim their spot among the local legends. So next time you swing by ABC with your four-legged sidekick, snap a pic, raise a paw, and join the club.

Farm Fresh Egg Delivery

If you’re paying attention, you might spot one more local ritual in action. Farm-fresh eggs still make their way through ABC the old-school way—from one of the former beertenders, no less. There’s no sign. No shelf. Just one of those quietly kept traditions that newcomers are lucky to stumble into.

Editor’s Note

Parker didn’t set out to change the game—she just wanted good food and a good place to belong. What she created instead was a local legacy. From giving East Texans real vegetarian options (finally) to keeping trivia night alive with heart and humor, Parker helped make Athens Brewing Co. more than a taproom. She made it a place where everyone feels welcome. Where locals gather. Where you belong, whether you're born here or not.

That’s why she’s our first Local Legend.