Eat, Drink, and be Merry

Roswell’s From the Earth Brewing Company exceeding expectations since 2017

First, let’s get this straight: From the Earth (FTE) Brewing Company isn’t just Roswell’s first brewpub. In fact, it’s the city’s first — and still only — gastropub. And that distinction makes all the difference.

Owner Tim Stevens explains that a gastropub provides a fine dining experience rather than the “pub grub” typically served at brewpubs and bars. The concept, complete with white tablecloth-level service, is uncommon in the Atlanta area.

“We marry locally sourced, fine cuisine with craft beers,

curated wine selections and seasonal craft cocktails — without

sacrificing the fun, laid-back environment of a microbrewery.”

“At FTE, we marry locally sourced, fine cuisine with craft beers, curated wine selections and seasonal craft cocktails — without sacrificing the fun, laid-back environment of a microbrewery,” the restaurant industry veteran said. He and wife Lisa opened the restaurant in the now-revitalized Connexion retail center in east Roswell in 2017.

Almost seven years and a pandemic later, the trendy food-and-drink spot is celebrating its fifth time on a list of the nation’s five best brewpubs named by the readers of USA Today.  FTE has twice been readers’ top choice.

EAT

The FTE menu features chef-driven seasonal fare with sustainably raised ingredients sourced from local farmers.

“We prioritize sourcing locally for two reasons: We want our local farmers to stay in business, and it’s the best product out there,” Stevens said.

FTE partners with local growers like Martin’s Gardens in Roswell and My Quality Mushrooms in Snellville. The farmers agree to plant crops that provide the specific raw ingredients needed for seasonal menus.

“Much of what we serve was harvested

only a day before we use it…”

“Much of what we serve was harvested only a day before we use it, so it’s fresh and perfect,” he said. “We always aim to have the best of the best.”

All of FTE’s menu items are prepared in house. Starters like pretzel bites with beer cheese and the pimiento cheese fritter with bacon jam are nods to southern favorites with an FTE twist. Seared salmon and fried chicken are among the most-requested entrees. The beer-braised short ribs, made with an FTE-crafted brew, are Stevens’ personal favorite.

Pastry chef Jennifer Hendrix also incorporates in-house drafts in some of her sweet offerings. FTE’s Imperial Stout is the title beverage in her Cosmonaut Stout Cake.

The restaurant recently added a Sunday brunch that has proven popular, Stevens added. One of the most requested menu offerings is the Farmer’s Plate, a traditional Southern breakfast with an FTE twist.

DRINK

Head brewer Alex Ciaburri keeps the housemade drafts flowing, helping to make FTE a go-to for craft beer lovers. Eight to 12 house beers are available each day.

“Right now, IPAs are king of the hill,” Stevens said, adding that IPA is short for India pale ale. West Coast-style IPAs Goin’ Out West and Symptom of the Universe are the most popular on draft at FTE.

“We’re beginning to focus on

pilsners and lagers, which are trending.”

The gastropub’s crafted beverage menu is expanding to keep pace with shifting beer tastes, too. “We’re beginning to focus on pilsners and lagers, which are trending,” Stevens said.

Because beer isn’t to everyone’s taste, FTE’s full-service bar also sells wine and liquor from outside sources.

“When we designed this place, my wife was not a big beer drinker,” Stevens said. “So, we wanted to create a beverage menu that also caters to those who would prefer a nice wine or cocktail with their meal.”

BE MERRY

Beyond exceptional food and drink, FTE has made a reputation for itself as the destination for a good time.

Walton Gas is a new sponsor of FTE’s Back Porch Concert Series.

Walton Gas is a new sponsor of FTE’s Back Porch Concert Series, outdoor shows held near the rear of the brewery. The concerts began in 2020 when indoor concerts weren’t feasible.

“COVID made us open up and try new things,” Stevens said about transforming a parking lot into a relaxed venue where 1,000 ticket holders can hear popular bands playing.  “Now, we’ve done more than 110 shows back there.”

This month, the concert schedule is packed. Indie rockers Perpetual Groove play on June 1. The New Orleans Suspects entertain with their “swampified” rock-n-roll show on June 7 followed by bluegrass band Shadowgrass on June 8. Mandolinist Sierra Hull plays on June 23 to close out the spring shows. The concert series resumes in September after the heat of summer passes.

Show information and tickets are available at ftebrewing.com. Advance purchase is recommended since shows often sell out.  FTE has its food truck and house beers onsite, but many concert-goers choose to make a reservation to eat in the gastropub before the show.

The fun won’t end when temperatures drive patrons inside. FTE’s summer schedule of events includes beer tastings, live music, games and comedy nights. The restaurant’s food truck will be on the go, pulling in to local events such as Third Thursdays on Canton Street in downtown Roswell. Follow FTE on Instagram and Facebook for event announcements.