About
Our Story & Team
It all started with a vision…
“The cuisine and the well-balanced beers at the brewpub are a vision I’ve had for quite some time. I want it to come full circle: sourcing our product as fresh and as local as we can. We want to give back to our local food partners, one way is by giving our spent grain from brewing to local farmers to feed their cattle and animals. We will also incorporate that spent grain in our house-made breads and even plan to make dog treats for our four-legged patrons. We want to become a part of this community in every way possible," says Tim Stevens, who has been in the restaurant scene his entire career.
Starting out at the age of fifteen, his first job was waiting tables in an upscale retirement home in his hometown of Clearwater, FL. He worked at a few restaurants along the way before moving to Atlanta to join the Buckhead Life Group. With his gained experience at the Buckhead Diner, he was hired at Nava as a Manager and seven months later, was promoted to General Manager. It was there Stevens met world-renowned and award-winning chef, Kevin Rathbun. The two grew up in the Atlanta restaurant scene together and maintained their friendship, with Stevens having great admiration for Kevin’s drive and passion for good food. “Kevin has always been someone I have greatly respected and I knew he would understand the passion I have for the brewpub”, says Stevens. After a few discussions about Stevens’ vision for the brewpub, Kevin and his wife, Melissa, became investors in the From the Earth concept.
“We have always trusted Tim’s judgement and expertise in the industry, so becoming investors was something we were happy to do. We want to see him succeed doing what he loves to do,” says Rathbun.
Veteran Brewmaster and SweetWater Brewing Company’s co-founder, Kevin McNerney, has been instrumental in the design and setup phase of the concept with his expertise in all things beer. McNerney is on board as Head Brewing Consultant, a relationship that From the Earth hopes to continue for years to come.
The Faces of FTE
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Tim Stevens
OWNER/OPERATOR
With a background in hospitality and a vision to create a community gathering place, Tim combined his passion for craft beer, chef-driven food, and live music into a unique destination. He focuses on creating experiences that bring people together through exceptional food, beverage, and entertainment. His commitment to quality, creativity, and community continues to shape everything FTE offers.
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Lisa Stevens
OWNER/MARKETING + BRANDING
Lisa leads all marketing and branding efforts for FTE. With a passion for storytelling and community connection, she ensures the FTE brand reflects its commitment to craft, quality, and local partnerships. Lisa combines creativity with strategic insight to engage guests, build lasting relationships, and showcase the unique experiences FTE offers, both on-site and within the wider community.
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Mike Sears
MANAGER
Mike oversees daily operations and leads the FTE team in delivering exceptional hospitality experiences. His hands-on leadership and commitment to guest satisfaction help drive FTE’s continued success and strong community presence. Mike works closely with the culinary, brewing, and events teams to create a welcoming atmosphere while fostering a culture of teamwork, service, and operational excellence.
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Chris Moseley
CULINARY DIRECTOR + EXECUTIVE CHEF
With a passion for locally sourced ingredients and creative cuisine, Chris crafts menus that pair perfectly with FTE’s beers, delivering a thoughtfully curated dining experience. He blends seasonal flavors with innovative techniques to create dishes that are both visually appealing and full of flavor. His attention to detail makes each meal a celebration of taste.
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Matt Crosson
BREWMASTER
Matt enjoys crafting unique, high-quality beers with creativity and precision. His passion for brewing and dedication to flavor ensure every pour is thoughtfully crafted for guests to enjoy. He’s always exploring new styles and refining his process, combining technical skill with a creative edge to produce beers that are distinctive.
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Jen Hendrix
PASTRY CHEF
Jen enjoys crafting desserts that delight the senses. With a focus on creativity and flavor, she creates desserts that perfectly complement FTE’s food and beverage offerings. Her attention to detail shines through as she blends classic techniques with fresh ideas to create memorable finishes for every meal.