Harry Mitchell Brewing Company

El Paso, Texas • 1933–1956

Founder: Harry Mitchell

Overview

Years Active: 1933–1956

Founder: Harry Mitchell

Successor: Falstaff Brewing Corp. (El Paso Plant, 1956–1967)

Founded by English immigrant and entrepreneur Harry Mitchell, this brewery became one of the most successful regional breweries in West Texas. Known for Mitchell’s Premium Beer and later Mitchell Premium Beer, the brewery operated until its sale to Falstaff in 1956.

History

  • 1932: Mitchell sells the Mint Café and returns to El Paso to pursue brewery plans.
  • August 5, 1933: Groundbreaking for the Harry Mitchell Brewing Company plant.
  • August 5, 1934: Brewing officially begins at the new brewery.
  • 1949: A high‑speed canning line (250 cans per minute) is installed; canned beer production begins.
  • 1952–1953: Distribution expands into Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona.
  • 1955: Golden Grain beer introduced for the California market.
  • May 1956: Brewery sold to Falstaff Brewing Corporation for $1.5 million.

Location

Historical Address: 3801 Frutas St., El Paso, TX

Modern Address: 3801 Frutas St., El Paso, TX

Latitude / Longitude: 31.7580, -106.4860

Location Notes: The plant later operated under Falstaff Brewing Corp. until closure in 1967. The site represents one of the key post‑Prohibition brewing facilities in West Texas.

Brands Produced

  • Harry Mitchell’s Special Lager (1934–1937)
  • Harry Mitchell’s Quality Beer (1937–1940)
  • Harry Mitchell’s Bock Beer (1938–1941)
  • Harry Mitchell’s Select Beer (1940–1942)
  • Mitchell’s Premium Beer (1940–1952)
  • Mitchell Premium Beer (1952–1956)
  • Golden Grain (1955–1956)

Breweriana Gallery

The Harry Mitchell Brewing Company produced a rich variety of collectible breweriana, including cans, bottles, labels, case boxes, and advertising materials.

  • Cans: Mitchell’s Premium Beer, Mitchell Premium Beer, Golden Grain.
  • Bottles: Special Lager, Quality Beer, Select Beer, Bock Beer.
  • Labels: Multiple label variations across brand evolution.
  • Packaging: Case boxes and shipping cartons.
  • Advertising: Print ads, signs, and promotional materials.
Mitchell's Premium Beer Can
Mitchell’s Premium Beer can (c.1949–1952).
Golden Grain Beer Can
Golden Grain can, produced for the California market (1955–1956).

Timeline

  • 1932: Mitchell returns to El Paso after selling the Mint Café.
  • 08‑05‑1933: Groundbreaking for the brewery (EV091‑004).
  • 08‑05‑1934: Brewing begins (EV091‑005).
  • 1949: Canning line installed; canned beer production starts (EV091‑006).
  • 1952: Distribution expands into TX, NM, AZ (EV091‑007).
  • 1955: Golden Grain introduced (EV091‑008).
  • 1956: Golden Grain withdrawn after poor sales (EV091‑009).
  • 05‑1956: Brewery sold to Falstaff (EV091‑010).
  • 1956–1967: Falstaff continues production at the plant (EV091‑011).

Related Breweries

  • Mint Café (BR091‑00): Precursor business that provided the capital and experience for the brewery.
  • Falstaff Brewing Corp. (El Paso Plant) (BR092‑01): Successor operator of the Mitchell plant after the 1956 sale.

Lineage

Plant Lineage: Mint Café → Harry Mitchell Brewing Company → Falstaff Brewing Corp. (El Paso Plant)

Brand Timeline

  • 1934–1937: Harry Mitchell’s Special Lager
  • 1937–1940: Harry Mitchell’s Quality Beer
  • 1938–1941: Harry Mitchell’s Bock Beer
  • 1940–1942: Harry Mitchell’s Select Beer
  • 1940–1952: Mitchell’s Premium Beer
  • 1952–1956: Mitchell Premium Beer
  • 1955–1956: Golden Grain