In the heart of Orlando’s historic Ivanhoe District, Ivanhoe Park Brewing Company, located at 1300 Alden Road, has become a local staple, blending craft brewing with a strong sense of community.
The brewery draws inspiration from the area’s rich history, including the early 20th-century Joyland amusement park that once sat on the shores of Lake Ivanhoe. That legacy lives on in its name and flagship brews like Joyland IPA and Toboggan Blonde Ale. Owner Glenn Closson discovered his passion for brewing through homebrewing in 2010. Though he hadn’t always planned on owning a business, his growing interest in craft beer quickly turned serious. “It became more than just a hobby,” he tells What Now Orlando in an exclusive interview.
By 2013, Closson had opened his first brewery in Southern California, gaining the experience that would later shape Ivanhoe Park Brewing Co.’s foundation in Orlando. His vision was to create more than just a taproom—a space that honored Orlando’s story and brought people together. “Ivanhoe Park Brewing Co. isn’t just about craft beer—it’s about community, storytelling, and purpose.”
Since opening in 2018, the brewery has grown steadily. What began as a neighborhood gathering spot has expanded into a recognized brand across Central Florida, with packaged beers now found in a growing number of retail outlets. Despite early challenges—including construction that disrupted access—Closson and his team built momentum through consistency and community support. “With the continued growth in our market and community support, the future is incredibly bright,” Closson says.
That momentum includes the recent launch of Ivanhoe Park Lager House, a significant step forward for the business. Located in the former Deadwords Brewing space, the new location features a full kitchen and expanded brewing capacity. It allows the brewery to offer a complete dining experience alongside its beer, while also bringing more of its production back in-house to meet rising demand.
For Closson, the biggest challenges have been the unknowns—permitting delays, staffing, and economic shifts—but he credits those hurdles with building resilience. The reward, he says, is seeing the community embrace what they’ve built. From fundraisers to casual post-work pints, Ivanhoe Park Brewing Co. has become a space where people come to connect.
Today, customers can visit the brewery and expect plenty of fresh, locally crafted beer, a welcoming atmosphere, and a strong sense of community. Whether you’re stopping by the original Ivanhoe Park location for a laid-back pint or visiting the new Lager House for a full meal and expanded tap list, each visit reflects the brewery’s mission to bring people together through great beer and shared experiences. As Ivanhoe Park Brewing Co. continues to grow, its roots in local history and community spirit remain at the heart of everything it does.
