We had another feature with The Waterloo Region Rural Post on August 2nd, written by Jay Straus.
If you’ve driven along Arthur Street in Elmira over the past few months, you may have noticed a new and exciting business will be “Pouring Soon”. Rural Roots Brewing Company will be opening their doors and taps at 21 Industrial Drive, licensing permitting, on the August long weekend; the culmination of 2 years of planning and work on behalf of Roger Lichti, his wife Sue and their family.
The idea of opening a micro-brewery in Elmira comes from Roger’s joint passions for community and his love of brewing beer. For longer than he has been brewing beer, Roger has been a community builder. It is where his desire to build a space to create community and brewing intersected that Rural Roots was born. Rural Roots hopes that individuals come to make the space their own, and bring their friends to share it with.
Roger Lichti, Photo: Jay Straus
Community is evident in the design of the tap room, from the cozy couch and chairs in one corner, the tractor seat stools at the bar, to the long church pew reclaimed from the 1940’s. It’s a space designed to meet with friends, and make new ones. Whether you are a craft beer enthusiast or need a place to connect, Rural Roots has something to offer, including light snacks to nibble on.
Roger’s love of our community and rural life extends to his use of local ingredients wherever possible. Supporting and partnering with local businesses, such as Maggie’s Mudroom in Elmira who is supplying the beautiful one-of-a-kind mugs for individuals that will take part in their “Mug Club” program, which will offer discounts and swag to members.
The path to opening hasn’t been smooth, particularly with navigating licensing at a time of increased workload at the AGCO and CRA and dealing with the shortages of individuals working in trades. But Roger remains undeterred and is chomping at the bit to share his craft with our region.
Rural Roots is planning to open with an initial offering of 5 different beers, to hopefully fill the needs of the differing tastes of beer drinkers, coupled with a philosophy of keeping things simple. Rural Roots Brewing Company will be offering tasting flights of 4 – 5 oz. pours as well as 12 or 16 oz. pours of your favourites. In addition you will be able to take it home with you by way of growler fills, and potentially bottles down the road.
