We’re looking forward to introducing you to Brooke Michie. Check out our conversation below.
Brooke, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I am a newer board member at a local non profit organization called the Bugle Boy Foundation that includes a world class listening room and musical programming and community outreach. One of our sons attended a sound engineering and stage setup workshop this summer and it has inspired his musical career even greater toward education. We can both be found volunteering on any Fridays we are able. The sound in that space is incredible and the artists are unbelievable and well known talents from all over. It always feels like a spiritual experience in this listening room.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
We are a family owned and operated brewpub in the small but mighty, world famous hamlet of Round Top, TX helmed by degreed chef and brewer, Paul Michie (and me, his wife), Brooke Michie. A literal Mom and Pop shop, RTB opened four years ago after a long awaited renovation of a local historic farmhouse that got moved to the property from about a mile away. We have expanded interior seating since then and make all 12 of our rotating house draft. beers right here on premise in our nanobrewery of all US steel, all US fabricated Portland Kettleworks brewhouse and tanks. We have the cleanest and coldest lines around that pour our popular and tasty brews. Our boutique wine list is full of pleasant surprises as well as accessible price points for unique offerings. All of our food is made from scratch with love.
We have added in some oft-requested features this year such as discreetly placed TVs for those wanting to enjoy sports and still retain our friendly and low key pub vibe. We are developing a cocktail program this fall as we expand our offerings to include spirits and mixed beverages. Paul’s award winning recipes will be featured in a few house signatures. Round Top Brewing also has plans within a year to expand and relocate our tiny kitchen from the attic conversion space we currently use to a new facility downstairs that will allow us to add more robust commercial equipment to include new menu items we’ve been dreaming of (French fries? Pizza?) Ever the dreamers and doers, we have constanly evolved and grown. We also have begun to plan additional Wednesday night ticketed dinners with multi course paired selections. This gives Chef Paul a chance to let loose his creative culinary inspiration and our beloved local foodies are always delighted to share the joy with us!
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
For Paul, his parents were an obvious influence on work ethic. His mother went to culinary school in her 40s with three kids at home and had a successful catering business that Paul was keen to help with while learning about food alongside her. Paul’s dad was an engineer who was loyal to a well respected large company and travelled, worked long term, and embodied a committed approach to work that included not complaining, and seeking to learn and solve problems strategically.
For Brooke, work was as enjoyable from age 14 as any other activity she loved. Always a one hundred percent effort person, each job became a learning lab and a place where experiences informed the basis for the next venture. A long time hairdresser and salon owner, Brooke counts this work as sacred, connection to her clients paramount, and serving people she cares for with her special skills her number one priority. This depth of respect for people extends to her contributions at the brewery too.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Owning a small business that actually needs to make money to sustain the income and lives of its operators and crew presents challenges that are occasionally so great it feels like giving up is the sanest option. Yet we wake up each day and face the beauty, joy, challenges and pain, knowing it is all still worth it. In deeply challenging moments, it feels imperative to “zoom out” and see the value and recognize the gratitude for what has been built, made, achieved.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Brooke’s closest friends would say that she really aims to understand people and to relate, and to give everyone a chance to be themselves freely without judgement. Paul’s friends would say that he is a hard working, fiercely loyal and committed friend.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
This is a pretty easy one for me (Brooke) because for better or for worse, I am wired this way. I have sometimes impossibly unfair standards for myself and would not expect praise for self-imposed unreasonable efforts hahaha! The work needs doing regardless of notice or praise. If praise happens, I consider that a delightful sprinkle of glitter and an unexpected joy. Paul and I are both very much this way. A little thumbs up, pat on the back, or cheers to a job well done does feel like a nice celebration. I do tend to notice what others are doing well and thank them for it. Acknowledgement and encouragement feel different and more authentic to me than what I consider “praise” to mean.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://roundtopbrewing.com
- Instagram: @roundtopbrewing
- Facebook: @roundtopbrewing
- Yelp: Round Top Brewing
Image Credits
Barry Fantich
