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President's Message |
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Tapped In: Roswell Rotary Gets Crafty, Beer Crafty
Roswell Rotary is about to tap into something truly special. On Thursday, September 4th, we welcome four of Roswell’s finest brewing companies to the stage. The panel includes Pat Rains of Gate City Brewing, Matt Curling of Variant Brewing, Tim Stevens of From the Earth Brewing, and James Rouse of the newly arrived Voodoo Brewing. Moderated by Past District Governor Gordon Owens, this lively discussion will explore everything from the explosion of IPAs to the curious appeal of sour beers. Beyond the pint glass, our guests will share insights into the brewing process, the science behind the hops, and the business of beer, an industry that generated $715 million in Georgia last year alone. But the fun doesn’t end with the meeting. After the panel, Rotarians are invited to a special Rotary flight at Gate City Brewing at 5pm, followed by a pub crawl to Variant Brewing at 6:30pm, complete with another flight and a food truck. With 181 craft breweries now thriving across Georgia, this event celebrates not just the flavors but the entrepreneurial spirit behind the taps. As Benjamin Franklin (almost) said, “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.” So bring your curiosity, maybe a designated driver, and join us for a night of education, camaraderie, and perfect pours. Cheers to service above self with a little fun along the way. Read more about our hometown brewers.
Pat Rains Pat Rains, co-founder of Gate City Brewing Company, is an
accomplished entrepreneur with deep roots in the food and beverage industry. A
graduate of Oregon State University with a BA in International Business, Pat
began his brewing journey after relocating from Portland to Atlanta, driven by
a desire to recreate the craft beer styles he grew up enjoying. What started as
a homebrewing hobby quickly evolved into a full-fledged business when he teamed
up with fellow Rotarian Brian Borngesser. Together, they launched Gate City
Brewing, which was named one of the fastest-growing breweries in the U.S. by
the Brewers Association in 2017. Pat’s leadership and commitment to community have earned him
recognition as a nominee in Roswell Magazine’s “Top 10 Under 40,” celebrating
young professionals making a meaningful impact. Under his guidance, Gate City
has become a force for good, supporting local and national charities such as
the Drake Foundation, Pitt Hopkins Foundation, and the Children’s Development
Academy. Pat also championed the creation of Freedom Fighter IPA, with proceeds
benefiting organizations combatting human trafficking in Atlanta.
Known for his collaborative spirit and belief in the “local beverage” movement, Pat continues to champion neighborhood-focused brewing. He’s passionate about creating meaningful connections through craft beer and values the opportunity to engage directly with the community. From small-batch beginnings to large-scale production, Pat’s journey reflects a deep commitment to quality, authenticity, and purpose-driven business.
Tim Stevens Tim Stevens began his hospitality journey at just 15 years
old, waiting tables in Clearwater, Florida. His passion for the industry led
him to Atlanta, where he earned a degree in Hospitality Administration from
Georgia State University. Tim quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the
youngest General Manager at Buckhead Life Restaurant Group and overseeing
acclaimed establishments like Nava and Chops Steakhouse. His early career was
marked by accolades in wine selection and service excellence, establishing the
momentum that would carry through his career. In 2017, Tim and his wife Lisa opened From the Earth Brewing
Company (FTE) in East Roswell, blending craft beer, locally sourced food, and
live music into a vibrant community hub. Their innovative approach, especially
during the pandemic when they introduced parking lot concerts and offsite beer
garden experiences, helped FTE thrive and deepen its roots in Roswell. In 2023,
the couple launched Bask Steakhouse next door, a fine-dining concept inspired
by Tim’s culinary roots and built with a commitment to premium ingredients,
local partnerships, and warm, club-like ambiance.
Beyond the kitchen and brewhouse, Tim’s dedication to community shines through. From supporting local schools and nonprofits to donating spent grain to farmers for livestock feed and compost, his mission has always been to give back. With nearly 30 years in the restaurant industry, Tim Stevens continues to shape Roswell’s dining scene.
Matthew Curling Matthew Curling is the founder and operator of Variant
Brewing Company, a Roswell-based brewery known for its inventive approach to
craft beer. After earning his degree in business management in 2012, Matt’s
passion for homebrewing quickly evolved into a professional pursuit. He gained
early experience at Cherry Street Brewing in Cumming before working as a
Business Analyst from 2015 to 2017, all while developing plans for Variant. In
late 2017, he opened the brewery on Norcross Street, transforming a bright,
industrial space into a welcoming taproom that reflects his hometown roots and
creative spirit. Variant Brewing lives up to its name by embracing
experimentation and variety. Matt and his team have crafted over 300 unique
beers, constantly exploring new ingredients, techniques, and flavor profiles.
Inspired by the complexity of brewing, much like cooking, Matt sees each recipe
as an opportunity to innovate. Whether it’s tweaking hop combinations or
introducing unexpected adjuncts like herbs and spices, the goal is always the
same: deliver quality, consistency, and a memorable experience for every guest who
walks through the door. Outside the brewery, Matt enjoys spending time with his
six-year-old son Liam, making hot sauces, running, skiing, reading, and playing
video games. He’s also deeply engaged in the Roswell community, supporting
local art through the “Art Around Roswell” sculpture tour and recommending
favorite spots like Canton Street, Vickery Creek, and East Roswell Park. For
Matt, Variant Brewing isn’t just a business, it’s a way to connect, create, and
contribute to the place he proudly calls home.
James Rouse James Rouse is the co-owner of Voodoo Brewing Company in Roswell, Georgia, alongside his wife, Betsy Rouse. James was born in Okinawa, Japan, into an Air Force family, which meant moving all over the map—from the frozen tundra of Fairbanks, Alaska, to the southern charm of Charleston, South Carolina. Growing up on the go taught him adaptability, resilience, and how to thrive in what he likes to call “life’s ultimate training ground.” He started his career the old-fashioned way, by rolling up his sleeves and doing the work. Over time, his persistence and “never quit” attitude pushed him into leadership roles. At Woodgrain Distribution Company, James worked his way up from an entry-level rep to Regional Manager, leading a team of 60 and keeping 400 stores running smoothly. In 2018, he joined Octane5 and made a big impact by streamlining processes and rethinking how things got done. His knack for solving problems with smart, creative solutions landed him the role of Director of Production, where he managed everything from people to processes with an eye on innovation. By 2024, James decided it was time to take his love of leadership, community, and great beer into a whole new adventure, opening his own Voodoo Brewing Company franchise. With a focus on craft beer, elevated pub food, and a welcoming community vibe, James is building more than just a brewpub—he’s building a place where people come together. |
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Pub Crawl Thursday Sept 4 5pm
• 5:00–6:30 PM: We’ll begin at Gate City Brewing, where Rotarians can enjoy a special flight of beers. • 6:30 PM: We’ll stroll across downtown Roswell to Variant Brewing, where another exclusive Rotary flight awaits. • To top it off, a food truck will be parked outside Variant, ready to serve up something tasty for anyone who needs a little bite to go with their brews. This is the perfect opportunity to build friendships, welcome guests, and celebrate the incredible momentum our club is experiencing. |
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Golf-Tennis-Pickleball
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Sign Up for Sponsorship |
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Every Member Participates |
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50-50 Keeps Growing!
The pot keeps growing every day. Tickets will be sold right up until the drawing. See Nancy Alterman for tickets! And look for the 50-50 signs at the tournament! How big will it grow? |
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We Need Your Dark Spirits |
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Board Member Spotlight |
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Sat. Sept 20 8:30am |
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Juan Saves the Day
Last Thursday, we came frighteningly close to a fried chicken disaster. The fryer decided to break and Juan heroically made an executive decision to pan fry the fried chicken for our lunch manually. Thank you Juan for always making sure that Roswell Rotary Club has the best fried chicken ever. And now you know the rest of the story. |
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Last Week at Rotary
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SOCIAL MEDIA
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