Famed MMA Fighter, Olympic Wrestler Opens New Brewery In Southwest Riverside County

TEMECULA, CA — Hendo's Barrel House is opening in Temecula on May 31, but it's more than just a brewery. It is so much more.

To celebrate its grand opening, Hendo’s is hosting a full weekend of events. The festivities will kick off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring Temecula Mayor Brenden Kalfus on May 31 at 11 a.m. inside Hendo's Barrel House, located at 27901 Jefferson Avenue. Hours of operation are from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Country artist Tyler Farr will take the stage on May 31st at 9 p.m., followed by a performance by Michael Ray on June 1st at 7 p.m. Both concerts are free, but concert-viewing space is limited, so be sure to arrive early.

Inside, however, the space is vast. Like the man behind this seven-in-one business mission, Dan Henderson, a former MMA fighter and Olympic wrestler, has poured his whole heart into his 32,000-square-foot building.

"Hendo's is home to seven different concepts," he says, and of course, at its center is Hendo's Gym — a high-energy MMA and fitness center that offers cross-training, wrestling, jiu-jitsu, kickboxing, and functional fitness.

Inside, you'll also find The Juice + Coffee Bar. This features fresh juices, smoothies, and crafted coffee drinks.

Then, there's the culinary and social heart of the place: Hendo's Barrel House. This brewery and distillery offers a steakhouse menu featuring crave-worthy burgers, wings, tacos, and classic cuts of beef, alongside a wide range of other menu selections.

A Butcher Shop inside can also sell you those same hand-selected meats and specialty cuts available prepared inside Hendo's.

A lot is going on at Hendo's, but there's method behind the plan—each business inside the massive building layers on the next , from fitness, to food, and fun. Dan Henderson spoke on the concept and how it feels to reach this next level of his career.

"After dedicating so much of my life to competition, it feels incredible to step into this next chapter where I can build something that brings people together,” Henderson said. “Hendo’s is more than just a business - it’s a reflection of my journey, my values, and my commitment to community, health, and hard work. I’m excited to create a space where people can train, recover, eat great food, and connect with one another - just like I’ve always loved to do.”

Henderson, at 55, is a retired American MMA fighter and Olympic wrestler, known for competing across multiple weight divisions and leaving a lasting impact on the sport.

A little bit about your host.

A Downey, California native, Henderson represented the U.S. in Greco-Roman wrestling at the 1992 and 1996 Olympics. Transitioning to MMA in 1997, Henderson quickly made his mark, winning the Brazil Open Lightweight Tournament and the UFC 17 Middleweight Tournament. He competed in multiple weight classes, often against heavier opponents. His time in Pride Fighting Championships was historic, winning the 2005 Welterweight Grand Prix and becoming the first fighter to hold two division titles simultaneously after defeating Wanderlei Silva in 2007.

Henderson returned to the UFC in 2007, facing top-tier opponents like Quinton "Rampage" Jackson and Anderson Silva. He later claimed the Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Championship, further cementing his legacy. Henderson's epic five-round battle against Maurício "Shogun" Rua at UFC 139 in 2011 was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame's Fight Wing in 2018.

This fight is widely regarded as one of the greatest in MMA history, according to his biography.

After an unforgettable title fight against Michael Bisping at UFC 204 in 2016, Henderson retired as the oldest active UFC fighter at the time.

Hendo’s Fight Nights will also be the ultimate destination for fight fans, hosting electrifying fight nights that bring the excitement of live MMA action to Temecula.

These events will feature thrilling screenings of major matchups, creating an unforgettable atmosphere where fans can gather, cheer, and connect with one another.

With the next fight nights scheduled for August 9 and November 8, Hendo’s is set to deliver high-energy viewing parties complete with great food, drinks, and an electric vibe that mirrors the intensity of the fights. Whether you’re a die-hard MMA enthusiast or a casual fan, Hendo’s will be the place to experience the thrill of the fight like never before.

Find Hendo's on Instagram @hendosbarrelhouse.