Reviving a Legacy: Rüeggenbach's Mission to Reignite the Heart of Marshall, TX

In the heart of East Texas, where red brick streets wind around the historic courthouse square, a quiet but powerful transformation is underway—one that is shaping not only a building, but the future of a community. At the center of this revival stands a deep-rooted commitment to the people and legacy of Marshall, TX.

Meet the Owner & Brewmeister: Dr. Texas Rüegg

After a successful 20-year career in higher education leadership, most recently at LeTourneau University, Dr. Rüegg made a bold move in 2022. He stepped away from the classroom and administrative boardroom to pursue a dream that combined his entrepreneurial spirit, love of history, and passion for community: the creation of Rüeggenbach Brewing Co., a family-owned craft brewery grounded in quality, tradition, and purpose.

His wife, Shana Rüegg, Co-Chief CRNA at Longview Regional Hospital, is co-owner and the majority stakeholder, making Rüeggenbach officially a woman-owned business. Their family’s investment in Marshall isn’t just financial—it’s deeply personal. Every brick, beam, and beer tells a story of family history, vision, and renewal.

But this was never just about beer.

The brewery, housed in the beautifully restored 1872 Salamander Fire Co. building on the historic square, represents something far greater—a catalyst for downtown Marshall’s revitalization. It taps into the Texas brewery tourism industry and as a commercial production facility, distributes a proud "Made in Marshall, TX" product with labels and beer names that highlight local people and businesses.

Family, Heritage, and Local Pride

Dr. Rüegg’s roots run deep in the soil of East Texas. He is the grandson of V.H. Hackney, former Superintendent of Marshall ISD and a respected local leader known for his community-minded approach to business and civic development. Hackney was a man who believed in building not just wealth, but worth—a legacy reflected today in Dr. Rüegg’s mission.

Like his grandfather, Texas Rüegg believes that a thriving community is built not only on commerce, but on connection. From the earliest planning stages, he envisioned Rüeggenbach Brewing Co. as a community gathering space—one where families, neighbors, artists, and entrepreneurs could come together to share not only a pint, but purpose. Where they could put down their phones and experience community face-to-face. Embodying the spirit of his Swiss heritage of neutrality, he wanted a place where everyone felt welcome regardless of race, gender, orientation, political, or religious beliefs. A place to experience the richness of the entirety of the community.

Restoring the Salamander Fire Co. Building

Restoring the old Salamander Fire Co. wasn’t easy. The building, though historically significant, had been dormant for decades. Reviving it took more than money—it took vision, patience, and relentless determination. From the custom bar crafted from reclaimed wood to the iconic rooftop deck overlooking the square, every detail of Rüeggenbach Brewing Co. has been thoughtfully designed to reflect both heritage and hope.

The building now houses a 7-barrel production brewery, packaging and cold storage in the basement, and a taproom that seamlessly blends industrial charm with warm hospitality. It’s not just a place to drink—it’s a place to belong.

Overcoming the Hurdles of Small-Town Entrepreneurship

Opening a new business in Marshall brought unique challenges. Limited infrastructure, red tape, inflated construction costs, and a small commercial economy made even small decisions challenging. But where others saw obstacles, Dr. Rüegg saw opportunity.

With fierce determination and a belief in the power of small business to drive big change, he persevered. His leadership garnered recognition from the Marshall Chamber of Commerce with a Small Business of the Year Award and even the Grand Masonic Lodge of Texas, which awarded him the Community Builder Award.

But his goal extends beyond success for Rüeggenbach alone.

A Vision for Destination Downtown

Rüeggenbach's larger mission is to help spark a destination economy in Marshall. The Rüeggs envision a vibrant downtown filled with thriving small businesses, restored historic buildings, lively street festivals like Rüeggenfest, and attractions that make visitors stop, stay, and invest in the experience.

More than tourism, this vision includes economic development—attracting businesses seeking a headquarters in a community where their employees can walk to coffee shops, grab lunch in the square, and enjoy high quality of life after hours. The charm of a historic downtown, paired with a culture of collaboration, is exactly the magnet needed to draw companies tired of cookie-cutter suburbia.

The Rüeggs believe Marshall can become that beacon.

Carrying Forward the Hackney Legacy

In many ways, Dr. Rüegg is walking the same path his grandfather once did—building something enduring not just for himself, but for his neighbors and future generations. Like Hackney, he is planting seeds of growth where others saw stagnation. He is proving that a single family’s commitment can reignite civic pride and drive real transformation.

The old firehouse now burns with a different kind of flame—a fire of creativity, camaraderie, and community. And it’s only the beginning.

A New Era Rooted in Legacy

Rüeggenbach is not just brewing craft beer—it’s crafting a movement. Rüeggenbach Brewing Co. has restored more than a building; it has reignited belief in what Marshall, TX can be.

Rooted in legacy and driven by vision, this small-town brewery is proving that revitalization starts with one spark—and spreads through every story shared over a pint.

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To learn more about Rüeggenbach Brewing Co. or plan a visit to downtown Marshall, TX, visit www.rueggenbach.com