About Brewhouse BBQ

What started as a simple idea between “brothers” has grown into something much bigger.

In 2017, founder Ryan Miller set out with a passion for great barbeque and a belief that good food brings people together. In the early days, the mission was simple: “a few bros with an appetite and an idea.” With determination and a lot of trial and error, Ryan and his brothers even built the company’s first smoker by hand, laying the foundation for the flavor and authenticity the business is known for today.

As word spread and the appetite for great barbecue grew, the next big step came in 2019, when Ryan purchased the business’s first food trailer and remodeled it on his own. Around the same time, he brought on his longtime friend, Galen Mealor, turning the original idea into a true family effort.

From the beginning, giving back has been an important part of the business. Ryan chose to honor members of the Armed Forces by inviting them to sign the food truck, creating a moving tribute to those who serve. Over time, that commitment to the community has continued to grow.

Today, the business proudly sponsors a Little League team, supports local schools with fundraising, and joins with United Way for the annual turkey drive, helping make the holidays brighter for families in need.

In 2023, the hard work and support from the community paid off when the business was honored as a Community Choice Awards winner for Best Barbecue, Best Food Truck, Best Ribs, and Best Catering Company.

At the end of the day, not much has changed. It’s still about great BBQ, good people, and that original idea—just on a bigger scale (and with a lot more smoke).

From a homemade smoker to award-winning barbecue, this is just the beginning.

The Brewhouse family isn’t bound by blood—it’s bound by choice, by loyalty, and by love. Since the 1990s, this chosen family has grown from deep friendships into five tightly knit households that support one another as if we were born under the same roof. Every member has played a role in shaping the heart and soul of Brewhouse. On August 21, 2023, we lost one of our own—our brother, Kevin Lee Doney—and the void he left is immeasurable.

Kevin and Ryan’s friendship began in high school, forged over pizza ovens at Lee’s Pizza in LaGrange, Indiana. What started as teenage camaraderie evolved into a lifelong bond, strengthened as their families grew and their lives intertwined. Kevin was instrumental in the birth of Brewhouse. It all began with his legendary Labor Day parties—nights filled with smoked meats, laughter, and the kind of guy time that stitched friendships into brotherhood. Ryan would craft new rubs and recipes for the feast, many of which still flavor Brewhouse meals today.

As Brewhouse grew, so did Kevin’s impact. He became our spreadsheet guru, building the backbone for catering quotes and pricing. During the pandemic, when the world stood still, Kevin stood up. He helped launch the original turkey drive with the United Way of St. Joseph County, using Brewhouse’s smoking skills to feed over 1,000 families in need. That act of service became a tradition—every Thanksgiving, we gather to honor Kevin by serving full holiday meals to those who need them most.

Kevin’s legacy lives on in every plate served from the Brewhouse trailer. His spirit is woven into our recipes, our traditions, and our mission to serve with heart. Though we grieve his absence, we rejoice in knowing he rests with our Lord and Savior. His memory is our compass, guiding us to feed others with the same love and generosity he gave so freely.