Tyler Entrepreneurs Are Brewing Up Success

Nathan Lambrecht

Boasting 100-year-old buildings of eclectic architectural styles, Tyler’s Mosaic District was designed to create a community feel, a place where residents frequent local businesses and kibitz with their neighbors. Tyler entrepreneurs who have set up shop say there’s much to love about owning a business here. Since opening, their people-first missions have stayed front and center, driving the way they operate their thriving establishments. 

Story of a Brew Boss 

A tenet of True Vine Brewing Co.’s philosophy is that the business is there to serve whoever walks through the door. And many have – so many, in fact, that a move to a larger facility in the Mosaic District was a strategic business decision. 

True Vine originated as a home brewing project that quickly grew to a micro warehouse in 2014. At the time, the brewing company opened only once a month with events called “Open Taps.” They were so popular that owners Ryan and Traci Dixon quickly determined they would need even more space. In February 2020, they moved to the newly revitalized Mosaic District and set up 16 beers on tap, ranging from a Mexican-style lager to blond ale to a double IPA. 

The business has scaled in size, but since its founding, the vision has stayed the same. “We brew artistic beer with roots deep in tradition, cultivate thriving community experiences and offer a place at the table for all,” Ryan says. “We’ve created a place to enjoy quality craft beer in a wholesome environment.” 

Food is served on-site from neighboring Sola Bread Co. and rotating food trucks with diverse menus. With a play area for kids, dog park and live music venue, True Vine has brought a true family-friendly destination to Tyler. 

The Dixons nurture their Tyler community by hosting weekly Give Back Night fundraisers and partnering with nonprofits and schools. At Christmas, they lead the community in donating and assembling items for Winter Care Packs for the homeless. 

The support they give is reciprocated. Regulars visit daily and have helped grow the business over the last 10 years. 

“Being the first craft brewery in East Texas, we could tell people were thirsty for something like this,” Ryan Dixon says. “We’ve created a place where people can come and feel like they’re at home.” 

Nathan Lambrecht

Barista’s Dream Come True 

“I’ve seen people come in alone and end up talking to the person at the next table. Before you know it, they’re arranging weekly coffee meetups, and we watch them become friends,” says Emily Casey, co-owner of Likewise Coffee. 

When Casey talks about Likewise Coffee, she always comes back to community. That’s because the business is inextricably tied to Tyler. It partners with Sola Bread Co. to offer fresh breakfast items and sandwiches; showcases snacks, pastries and cake pops from local Get Baked by Christina; and even donates gift baskets and a portion of sales to Tyler nonprofits. 

The first draw, of course, is the coffee, which Casey calls “the best cup of coffee in East Texas.” 

The beans come from Voltage Coffee Project in Decatur, Texas. Casey says the team of co-owners – including herself and her husband, Ben, as well as Zach and Jessey Woodson – did a lot of research on the front end to buy the best machines for roasting, grinding and brewing. 

“We wanted to provide an excellent product because who doesn’t love coffee?” Casey says. “But we also wanted a place to cultivate community for Tyler. Along with the curated selection of equipment, we have a drive-thru window and a commitment to interact with our customers even in that brief minute at the window. It’s important that everyone feels welcome.” 

The shop is calm and peaceful, a place to slow down and settle in. It features spots to sit by yourself or in a group, along with a meeting room. 

Likewise also holds events, with themes like trivia nights, puzzles and waffles and breakfast for dinner. Those gatherings continue to bring people together and support the company’s mission to be a Good Samaritan by going and doing “likewise.”