USA, TN: Stars and Bars Brewing Co. coming to Clarksville in August

Clarksville has yet to jump on the micro-brewed beer train, but the tides are beginning to turn.

A new beer micro-brewery is coming to Clarksville this summer, the Clarksville Leaf Chronicle reported on July 6.

Stars and Bars Brewing Co., located at 1030 Progress Dr., will open in August.

Owner Josh Romaker is hoping to make micro-brew skeptics into believers with his "rustic, unapologetically patriotic brewery." He started a Kickstarter campaign to raise money to finish the bar in time for opening.

With almost a decade of home-brewing experience under his belt, Romaker is constantly challenging existing beers with new flavors and brews.

"We look at a beer and think 'we can do better,'" he said.

He's keeping nine beers and a homemade root beer on tap at all times, and promises a diverse selection of beers from light to stout, so there's something for everyone. As for food, he's inviting food trucks to park outside the bar.

Romaker's a strong believer in the power of sourcing products locally and maintaining a local feel. Stars and Bars will use ingredients sourced from Tennessee and equipment from the U.S.

He and his friends made most of the furniture in the bar from locally salvaged wood and materials.

Romaker is active duty military, although he is preparing to retire soon, and named the bar for his devoted patriotism. The brewery is something he's been wanting to do for some time.

"We'd like to try to make believers out of everyone that locally brewed beer not only is better for you, but tastes better," he said.

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