Discovering a hidden gem in Bentonville's flourishing culinary scene, we sit down with Rebecca Davitt, founder and head brewer of Stoic Brews, the only dedicated gluten-free brewery in Arkansas and one of just 27 nationwide. From the moment we take our first sip, preconceptions about gluten-free beer are shattered as we sample exceptional craft brews made from millet, buckwheat, and other alternative grains.

Rebecca's journey into brewing began with her own health challenges. After being diagnosed with an inflammatory disorder that required eliminating gluten, she found herself unable to enjoy craft beer for nearly a decade. What started as a joke with her husband ("I'll only be interested in brewing if we can make it gluten-free") evolved into a passionate mission to create a space where everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions, could experience the joy of craft beer and good food without worry.

The impact of Stoic Brews extends far beyond brewing great beer. Rebecca shares moving stories of customers brought to tears by their first beer in decades and the profound sense of normalcy her establishment provides to those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Located in downtown Bentonville's former Pedaler's Pub space, Stoic offers eight taps, a full gluten-free food menu (including incredible pizza we sampled on-air), and weekly events like bingo and trivia nights.

What stands out most is the intersection of craft, care, and community that Rebecca has created. With both indoor seating and patios, sports viewing, and a family-friendly atmosphere that includes mocktails for non-drinkers, Stoic Brews is pioneering what an inclusive dining experience can be. Whether you're gluten-sensitive or simply a craft beer enthusiast, this alternative brewery deserves a spot on your Bentonville must-visit list. Follow them on social media @stoicbrews or visit stoicbrews.com to learn more about this revolutionary approach to brewing.

More About this Episode

Stoic Brews: Bentonville’s First Gluten-Free Brewery Is Changing the Game

We’re always on the lookout for what’s next in Bentonville. New spots, big ideas, bold founders, especially when they’re doing something that hasn’t been done before. And that’s exactly what we found in Stoic Brews. This isn’t just another bar. It’s Arkansas’s only dedicated gluten-free brewery, and it’s not what you think. Trust us, we were skeptical too, until we tasted the beer and the pizza.

Stoic Brews opened its doors in March in the former Pedaler’s Pub location on A Street. It’s already building serious buzz, not just with gluten-free eaters but with the entire downtown crowd. Bikers roll in straight off the Greenway, folks spill in from other packed taprooms nearby, and nobody’s walking out disappointed. Gluten-free or not, the beer is legit.

Why a Gluten-Free Brewery in Bentonville?

At first, we had the same question you probably do. Why go gluten-free with beer? Doesn’t that kind of ruin the point?

But when we sat down with Rebecca Davitt, the founder, brewer, and co-owner of Stoic, it all made sense. She’s been gluten-free for a decade due to an inflammatory disorder. No celiac diagnosis, but enough of a health battle to make wheat, dairy, and soy off-limits. Her husband pitched the idea of opening a brewery. Rebecca’s response was simple: only if it could be gluten-free.

It started as a joke, but turned into a full-on mission.

With no brewing background, she taught herself how to make craft beer using ingredients like millet, buckwheat, rice, quinoa, and corn, all naturally gluten-free. She built her recipes from the ground up and now brews everything on-site in a small one-barrel system, 31 gallons at a time. That’s enough to keep eight different beers on the taps, including a lager, hazy IPA, American stout, cream ale, blonde, and even a new amber ale that’s quickly becoming a favorite.

And the Beer? It’s Genuinely Great

We don’t throw compliments around lightly, but Stoic’s beer blew us away. The lager, made with millet and buckwheat, is light and perfect for summer. It's around five percent ABV and doesn’t feel like it's missing anything. You’d never know it was gluten-free if someone didn’t tell you.

The hazy, which Rebecca says is her most popular, has a smooth, easy-drinking character that quickly won over the group, even drawing a few “outstanding” reviews at the table. It’s their bestseller for a reason. 

Rebecca mentioned that consistency is one of the hardest parts. Brewing on a small system means even slight changes in conditions, like temperature or timing, can affect the outcome. Rebecca admits she’s her own toughest critic, but most customers don’t notice the differences. The taproom continues to get great feedback and regulars keep coming back.

Gluten-Free Pizza That Doesn’t Suck

When someone says “gluten-free pizza,” most of us imagine a cracker-like crust and flavorless toppings. But Stoic’s pizza breaks that stereotype completely. Rebecca sources her dough from Sandi Sue’s Gluten-Free Bakery in Bentonville and finishes it with her own toppings in-house. The result? Crispy crust, solid chew, and loads of flavor.

We tried both the pepperoni and the supreme, and we were genuinely shocked. It’s not just “good for gluten-free”, it’s just plain good. One of us (you know who you are) even compared it favorably to New York pizza, which is saying a lot.

Beyond pizza, the menu includes loaded nachos, calzones, house-made spiced nuts, charcuterie boards, and even pupusas, a rare but welcome surprise on a bar menu. Everything is gluten-free, and some items can be made dairy-free or vegan upon request.

A Safe Space for People Who Usually Can’t Eat Out

One of the most unexpected things we learned was how emotional the experience can be for some customers. Rebecca told us stories of people crying at the bar after taking their first sip of beer in 10 or 20 years. One guest even shared that unchecked celiac disease had left him with major medical issues, including jaw reconstruction and a stroke. That’s how serious it can be.

To walk into a place and not have to worry about allergens, contamination, or awkward menu substitutions? That’s a big deal. Rebecca and her team have created something that’s not just delicious, it’s inclusive. And that’s worth celebrating.

Mocktails, Events, and a Full-On Community Vibe

Even if you don’t drink, Stoic has you covered. They’ve got mocktails made with alcohol-free spirits, soda-based cocktails, and family-friendly options that make it easy to hang out with kids or non-drinking friends. They’re open every day except Monday, with trivia on Thursdays and bingo on Tuesdays.

There’s indoor and outdoor seating, and a front and back patio. It’s not a sports bar, but they’ve got a big projector screen that drops down for game days. Come fall, you can expect football, baseball, and more up on the wall while you sip your beer or mocktail.

No Cans Yet, But They’re Coming

One thing we heard from almost every local business owner in town is the same: “When can we get Stoic in cans?” It’s happening soon. Labels are designed, production plans are in motion, and Rebecca’s hoping to launch canned beer soon. That means you’ll be able to take a six-pack of hazy IPA on the lake or keep a few lagers in the fridge for the weekend.

Until then, you can pick up growlers directly from the taproom. Not quite as convenient, but still a great way to share gluten-free beer with friends and family.

Is Expansion on the Table? You Bet

With only 27 dedicated gluten-free breweries in the U.S. (and Stoic being the only one in Arkansas), we asked Rebecca about growth plans. When we brought up the idea of expansion, Rebecca said they’ve definitely thought about it. Bentonville, she explained, made sense as the starting point: a diverse, growing community where gluten-free living is more necessity than trend.

To scale, Stoic will need a bigger brewing system and likely a second location. But based on what we’ve seen, and tasted, we’d put money on them pulling it off.

This place isn’t just about beer and pizza. It’s about creating something for people who usually feel like they’re left out of the food and drink scene. Whether you’re gluten-free, dairy-free, health-conscious, or just want to try something different, Stoic offers a space where everyone can relax, eat well, and enjoy a genuinely good brew, without compromise. It’s rare to find something this inclusive that also delivers on taste and experience.

Stoic is one of those places that feels like it belongs in Bentonville, and just might inspire others to rethink how beer and food should be done.