Owl's Roost Brewery
Our Story
What started as a shared passion between neighbors turned into a dream years in the making. In 1999, Jim and Walt began home brewing beer together, driven by a love for crafting great brews. As their hobby grew, Walt became a BJCP Certified Beer Judge, and before long, they were entering competitions, earning ribbons, and perfecting recipes on their one-barrel home brewing system. Through it all, Jim often said, "If I ever stop traveling, we'll build a brewery."
That opportunity came in 2020 when the world slowed down. As Jim's travel came to a halt, so did the perfect chance to bring their vision to life. In August of that year, the historic Franklin Movie Theatre became available for purchase. After working with architects and engineers to develop their plans, they purchased the building and transformed it into what is now Owl's Roost Brewery. The doors officially opened on August 14, 2021.
The design of Owl's Roost reflects the places that inspired its founders. Years spent visiting ski towns out West influenced the warm, old-school saloon atmosphere, while industrial steel accents complement the natural wood finishes throughout the brewery. Outside, the beer garden was inspired by the lively, music-filled gathering spaces they enjoyed in Key West, creating the perfect place to relax with friends, family, and great beer.
Why "Owl's Roost"?
The name has deep family roots. Jim's father grew up on a farm near Dayton, Tennessee, known as the Owl's Roost. Like many rural families during the 1920s and 1930s, they made homemade "hooch," and the farm became a place where friends and family gathered to share stories, food, drinks, and fellowship. Those memories became the inspiration behind Owl's Roost Brewery.
Today, Owl's Roost continues that tradition by creating a welcoming place where good people come together over handcrafted beer, delicious food, live music, and a strong sense of community. Whether you're stopping in for your first visit or you're one of our regulars, we're glad you're here. Welcome to the Roost.