V3 February 2023

Page 16

TRUE BREW

JUSTIN SHEPARD IS SHARING HIS LOVE FOR BEER BY BREWING UP A STORM AT ROME'S RIVER REMEDY.

NWGA'S PREMIER FEATURE MAGAZINE / FEBRUARY 2023
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live wonderfully

This is what life is supposed to feel like. When you aren’t held back. When you have a health partner that doesn’t just treat part of you – they care for all of you. That’s why more people prefer Atrium Health, with the most complete care that lets you get back to the moments that matter. That’s what it’s like to live fully.

FEBRUARY 2023 FEATURES

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Hydration and health get a shot in the arm from wHydrate of Rome, Georgia.

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For the love of beer, those who enjoy one-of-akind craft beers are flocking to River Remedy

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FEATURES 16
This stunning Hardy Home is a hidden gem found in one of Alabama’s highly explored towns.
COLUMNS 10
Dr. Lucie Mitchell of Harbin Spine & Pain Management Rome approaches medicine with the head of a scientist and the heart of an artist.
READV3.COM | FEBRUARY 2023 V 3 MAGAZINE 5 PRIVATE DINING CATERED EVENTS 413 Broad Street, Rome, Ga 30161 • lascalaromega.com • 706.238.9000 • 706.238.9011

Publisher's Note

February is the best month of the year. Change my mind. Sure, it's cold and dreary, but I was born smack dab in the middle of it so it's my favorite. It’s got the whole leap year thing too, so that makes it a weird and wonderful month and I happen to like weird and wonderful things.

The English language certainly falls into the weird and wonderful category and the term “smack dab” is a perfect example of that. Its earliest use was in 1892 when it was used in an early American publication named Dialect Notes, but its origins remain unknown. I’ve used it all my life, but I got sucked down a rabbit hole with odd words and phrases after my dad commented on his new “britches”

ReadV3.com: Where you can find all the print content from this issue, our archives and exclusive ReadV3 digital features. READV3.COM OWNER & CEO Ian Griffin MANAGING PARTNER Chris Forino
DIRECTOR Elizabeth Childers
Jim Alred,
Andy Calvert,
AD DESIGN Elizabeth Childers PUBLISHER V3 Publications, LLC CONTACT 417 Broad Street Rome Ga, 30161 Office Phone 706.235.0748 hello@v3collective.com CREATOR Neal Howard
OWNER & CEO Ian Griffin
CREATIVE
WRITERS
Ian Griffin, Karli Land, Nina Lovel, Paul Moses PHOTOGRAPHERS
Ivan Felipe

Contract Lawn Care for Commercial & Residential Properties

READV3.COM | FEBRUARY 2023 V 3 MAGAZINE 7
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Dr. Lucie Mitchell of Harbin Clinic combines her medical passion and artistic talent to color life outside the lines.

ABSTRACT ART IS OFTEN DESCRIBED AS VIBRANT, ENERGETIC, FANTASTICAL, ETHEREAL, AND DIFFICULT TO DEFINE.

Sometimes, these same terms and phrases equally characterize both a piece of artwork and the artist who created it. That’s true of Dr. Lucie Mitchell, physiatrist at Harbin Clinic Spine & Pain Management Rome, who seeks to soothe the world’s pain—physically and emotionally—through medicine, treatment, painting and photography. She is a woman who defies tidy categories. Her talent, knowledge and creative thinking embody her dual professional passions: medicine and art. Her life colors outside the lines.

At Harbin Clinic, Dr. Mitchell focuses her medical services on alleviating conditions that affect the spinal cord, brain, nerves, bones and joints. She is dedicated to assisting her patients in regaining function, managing their pain and maximizing their quality of life.

"TO ME, MEDICINE IS ALWAYS AN ART"

ART AND MEDICINE

Born in Canada and now a dual citizen, Dr. Mitchell moved to America when she was seven years old. Everything seemed unfamiliar, starting with the language. She spoke only French, so school was very difficult at first.

“I would go to school and learn absolutely nothing,” she says, “because I didn’t know English. Then, I would come home and watch shows like Barney and Lamb Chop’s Play-Along on TV. Today, people say screen time is bad for kids, but it was great for me. I learned a whole language watching television. Sesame Street was my English teacher; it taught me how to read.”

By middle school, she was involved in art and excelled at it, earning her school’s art award upon high school graduation. In college, Mitchell took the prerequisites for the pre-med track while also majoring in English and minoring in creative writing.

During her residency program, she honed her photography skills by taking creative, colorful pictures of her classmates. These skills were in high demand as other residents wanted an alternative to the typical drab medical school portraits. From the beginning of her training, Dr. Mitchell found herself blending art and medicine.

HELPING WHAT HURTS

“I learned to love the spine because I liked working with people’s pain,” says Dr. Mitchell. “All the different kinds of pain.” Even today, she looks at pain management through a creative lens. She explains, “To me, medicine is always an art. Everyone has their own niche, whether it’s surgery or heart or brain or spine. Whatever the case, it’s an art.”

When she was trying to decide what her own specialty would be, she was pulled between pain management and sports medicine. “I chose physiatry because I can incorporate sports medicine into my practice, but if I had chosen sports medicine, I couldn’t do all that I am doing now.”

When it comes to examining and diagnosing her patients, Dr. Mitchell approaches patients as an artist might approach the human models they sketch: “In my mind,” she says, “I remove layers. I remove the skin, the muscles and I see the skeleton. So, when my patient says, ‘I hurt here,’ I can sort of start with their bones and build the layers up—the muscles and skin. That way, I can see what’s working, what’s not working and see what’s going on with them.”

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A CURE FOR BLAND WALLS

One of Dr. Mitchell’s favorite pastimes is going to museums, especially if there is an exhibit of modern art. “I love abstract art because it tells so many stories,” she says. “The story I see in a piece might be different from the story you will come away with. If I come into the museum in a bad mood, I may see something negative. If I’m in a good mood, I will likely see something positive. So, it’s different every time.”

Dr. Mitchell sees this same principle at work in medical environments. She explains, “When I go into most doctors’ offices and sit in the waiting room, they are often a little dull and empty. If there is a picture on the wall, it likely blends into the subdued decor. Instead, I’d like to see an inviting environment since people visiting doctors are often already experiencing difficult circumstances.”

And that’s exactly what her patients experience: “I started hanging my original pieces in my exam rooms. They’re abstract and—even though you can’t tell—they’re made from images of my spine from MRIs and X-rays. I want to give my patients something to stimulate their minds and take their minds off their pain.” Dr. Mitchell has created countless works of art from pictures of her lumbar and cervical spine.

Those interested in getting a first-hand look at Dr. Mitchell’s artwork can visit the website for her business, Phoenix Noir Designs & Photography. Her website gallery is filled with stunning paintings, featuring wild splashes of color and frenetic movement. On her site, Dr. Mitchell sells original art, prints and fine art gifts, displaying images of her work.

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Harbin Clinic Spine & Pain Management Rome is proud to have Dr. Lucie Mitchell among their gifted doctors. Her compassion, intelligence and creative approach to healthcare are a credit to her profession.

To learn more about Dr. Lucie Mitchell’s artwork, visit phoenixnoirdesigns.com, and learn more about her at Harbin Clinic Spine & Pain Management Rome by visiting https://harbinclinic.com/medicalprovider/lucie-mitchell/.

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Hydrate with wHydrate

Water is life.

IT IS ESSENTIAL FOR THE PROPER FUNCTIONING OF EVERY ORGAN AND SYSTEM IN THE HUMAN BODY. It works inside and out, keeping the skin supple and lubricating muscles and joints. A dehydrated body is an inefficient one, like a car growling and pinging down the road while low on oil. And no wonder; the human body consists of somewhere between 60% to 70% water. So, for the most part, we are water. Add a depletion of such things as amino acids, electrolytes, vital minerals, and vitamins to an already-dehydrated person, and you have an unhealthy—and unhappy— individual. That condition is a daily reality for a great many people.

For the people of Rome, Georgia, however, help has arrived with a new business in town: wHydrate. The owners of Rome’s wHydrate, Christian Seaverns, Doug Shows, and Keith Ozment (owner of Spartan Smoothies), are on a mission to help the people of Northwest Georgia feel better and live healthier, more energetic lives through a wide range of infusions, injections, and other services.

Why wHydrate?

Rome’s wHydrate (located at 315 Riverside Pkwy NE, suite 190) provides a safe, relaxing way for customers to receive drip IV therapy. This treatment uses an intravenous drip to infuse amino acids, minerals, electrolytes, and vitamins directly into the body, providing immediate

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A new business in town, wHydrate, helps people feel better and stay healthier with their IV therapy and injections.
Text: Paul Moses Photos: Andy Calvert

positive results. Through its IV therapy, wHydrate offers a wide array of health benefits to its customers. Here are just a few of the vitamins and minerals offered. B12 benefits a person’s energy level, mood, memory, and digestion. B9 aids in brain function, and heart health, and helps build muscle energy. Biotin improves hair, skin, nails, and metabolism. Zinc supports immune function, blood clotting, and wound healing; it also helps increase metabolism. Customers can receive infusions that are designed to give combined benefits. For instance, a blend of B1, B2, B3, B5, and B6 helps convert food to energy. A blend of copper, magnesium, manganese, selenium, and zinc offers support for natural levels of energy, cellular protection, and rejuvenation.

Customers at wHydrate can also choose from a menu of health-fortifying injections. The triple immune boost injection consists of glutathione, zinc, and vitamin C to strengthen immunity. Zofran is an antiemetic medication that calms the stomach by reducing nausea and vomiting. Toradol is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces pain and inflammation.

A full list of available infusions and injections can be found on wHydrate’s website.

Founding friendships

Christian Seaverns was the original force behind wHydrate, founding the corporation himself. Two important events (among others) helped set the stage for the vision wHydrate would come to champion. One was Seaverns time in the Marine

Corps, where he saw how the use of IV hydration helped military personnel stay healthy, heal faster and feel better. The second came from when his mother was fatally ill, and he saw what great help and comfort she received from various IV medicines and products.

When asked why he and his business associates chose to open a wHydrate location in Rome, Seaverns says, “Well, I came up as a military brat but settled into a very similar town—Cartersville—to attend middle school and high school. All the things I loved about a small town growing up and also seeing the Cartersville

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wHydrate thriving told me that our service was something everyone needed. I saw similarities in Rome as well, great community, close community, and with the addition of wonderful partners that were Rome natives. It was a no-brainer! Having a strong medical economy was also a big add.”

About wHydrate’s relationship with the sports community, Seaverns says, “Athletics is one of the important demographics of our customer base, and a great one. We currently support college athletes, professional athletes, and other customers that are proactive in their own athletic goals such as tennis, marathons, triathlons, boxing, and wrestling. We have customized our infusions to meet the needs of all customers. The Olympian is a great package for the Athlete, as it aids in the recovery process. We have specific vitamins, minerals, and medications which also align with what an athlete may seek.”

The business locations outside of Rome are all franchises, such as the ones in Chattanooga, numerous locations in and around Atlanta, and even in Louisiana, just outside of New Orleans. However, the Rome wHydrate is not a franchise but is owned under the partnership of Seaverns, Shows, and Ozment. “I’ve known Keith Ozment since he was in high school,” says Shows. “We’ve worked together in different capacities in the past. We were able to work with Christian to bring wHydrate to Rome. There was already one in Cartersville, and Keith and I thought Rome would be a great place for another.” The three business partners saw that Rome, having numerous hospitals, colleges, and health clubs, possessed the ideal demographics to make the business a success. “It was the perfect storm,” says Shows, “so we brought wHydrate here.”

Madison Seaverns, wHydrate’s chief nursing officer, is a nurse with a background in pediatrics and several other areas in the medical field. She says, “Our clients are the best. Placing IVs while they tell you about their life and the experience with healthcare is so rewarding because you get to build those relationships and promote health and wellness.” She explains that their clients see increased energy, a strong immune system, and easier recovery from sickness. She says, “Repeat customers look forward to taking forty-five minutes to an hour for themselves, watching their favorite show, receiving fantastic service, and then seeing great results.”

Seaverns, Shows, and Ozment are not only committed businessmen, but they are also deeply dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles. They’re active men, with many interests. Shows, for instance, enjoys his role as a college basketball referee (at the time of the phone interview for this article, he was in a downtown Chicago hotel room, waiting to officiate at a game— “It’s my avocation,” he says, “It’s a lot of fun.”). These business partners are motivated, in part, by a strong desire to help people, and improve people’s lives. “We all share the same philosophy of helping people out,” Shows says, so we’re here in Rome encouraging people to stay fit and take care of themselves.”

What to expect

Being hooked up to an IV drip is something most people think of as something that only happens at a hospital or an Urgent Care facility. A setting like

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Keith Ozment Tim Nowak Christian & Madison Seaverns

wHydrate may be a novelty for many, but there’s no need for customers to feel apprehensive. The caring professionals who do the IVs and administer the injections are fully trained nurses or paramedics. As Shows puts it: “They all have experience working in hospitals or the ambulance services." Also, wHydrate is equipped with all the things they need to deal with any emergency that may occur. Shows says, “We have all the emergency equipment we might need in the facility, like AED defibrillators. Things like that.” He goes on to explain, “Actually, we are classified as a medical spa.”

The idea of using IV solutions to deal with dehydration, fatigue, and depletion of vital minerals and vitamins may be new to a lot of people. In the past, they may have self-medicated or tried drinking more water and getting more sleep, but it hasn’t seemed to help much. The helpful, compassionate staff at wHydrate puts the customer at ease, knowing that first-time visitors may be curious yet nervous.

Perspective customers can book an appointment online, call ahead, or even just walk in. When they arrive for the first time they will talk with the manager about their needs and concerns. Customers sit down with a nurse for a medical background survey to make sure there are not any problem issues, like allergies, or special doctor’s orders. Their blood pressure, oxygen levels, and

pulse will be checked. They will discuss their personal health goals and any symptoms they might be having. If everything checks out, and the customer proves to be healthy, then the process begins. Shows says, “Our manager will show them the full menu of what wHydrate offers and a nurse will put together a bag of fluids based on the components the customer needs.”

“The injections and infusions are done in a nice, comfortable room with a good recliner,” Shows says. The private lounges have TVs, Wi-Fi, and cozy blankets. Shows adds, “It can take thirty to forty-five minutes for the actual infusion, so a first-time customer may spend about an hour or so with us.”

According to wHydrate’s website, “The health benefits take effect as soon as your treatment begins, making IV therapy the fastest and most effective way to get immediate relief from dehydration, migraines, nausea, cold and flu symptoms, heartburn, hangovers, fatigue, menstrual/hormone imbalances, stress symptoms, and more!”

The perks of membership

Customers can purchase one of six membership plans at wHydrate. Customers do not have

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Doug Shows Morgan Newton & Josh Stanich

to become members of wHydrate to enjoy its services, but if they’re going to be regular customers, it makes good financial sense to join. Members enjoy discounted prices, free oxygen, two free infusions (one when the customer signs up and one during their birthday month), buy two, get one free add-ons, and access to members-only specials. Also, military personnel and veterans receive one free add-on or a free injection with every infusion.

Shows says, “One great reason to become a member is it allows you to use any wHydrate facility throughout the Southeast. That’s good for when you’re traveling for business or you’re on vacation.”

Another way to save money at wHydrate is by taking advantage of the wHyBucks Discount Plan. This is wHydrate’s form of currency. Each wHyBuck equals one dollar of store credit and can be applied to all products and services. The higher membership tier customers choose, the more discounted wHyBucks they earn. They may also reload these at any time and share them with immediate family at no extra cost.

One of wHydrate’s great incentives is its regular series of specials. Weekly specials. Monthly specials. Seasonal specials. Holiday gift baskets. Some of these special offers are for the general public and others are reserved for members. Also, members receive regular emails and texts letting them know of upcoming promotions and discounts.

Hydration for everyone

“We see a full spectrum of folks,” says Shows. “We have everyone from post-operation to athletes to the general population who just want to take care of themselves on the health side. We have customers from eighteen-year-olds to eightyfive-year-olds.” Shows explains that many of their regular customers come in anywhere from two to three times per month. Some only come in once per month, depending on their personal needs and preferences. “Everybody’s different,” says Shows. “We have customers who are athletes performing at the highest levels and others who have recently

recovered from the flu and just want to feel better.”

Seaverns, Shows, and Ozment are pleased with the reception wHydrate has had in Rome and Floyd County, and they’re working hard to capitalize on that success. They want to continue to expand the business. Seaverns has built a strong support structure at the company’s corporate headquarters in Kennesaw. Shows says, “We enjoy building strong relationships in the medical, fitness, and educational communities here in Rome and throughout Northwest Georgia. We already have strong connections in the local community, and we look forward to enhancing those while helping people live healthier lives. Our customers are excited about the way they feel and for what wHydrate has done for them.”

Seaverns says, “We hope to be a business that provides value to all of Georgia. We have a new location in North Georgia opening in Jasper soon and hope to stay the leading IV company in Georgia. We can’t do it without educated proactive customers, a top-tier medical staff, and the hard work of every wHydrate employee.”

For more information call 706-550-1850 or visit www.whydrate.com

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22 V 3 MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2023 | READV3.COM Learn To Fly Ace Aviation pilots range from age 8-80! So what’s stopping you from taking flight today? Give us a call! No required schedule! No required classes! Set your own pace with one-on-one instructor guidance Fly SAFE! Fly with CONFIDENCE! Train with ACE! 706-238-2425 learntoflywithace.com @ Aceaviationservices GIVE AN ART Experience WWW.STUDIOSIRI.COM 1205 DEAN AVE. ROME, GA • 706.409.3022 ART SATURDAY i Art Class Abstract Workshop Pet Portrait Workshop Birthday Paint Parties
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True Charm Found in Small-Town Living

Tucked along the hills of Lookout Mountain, this custom-built home offers a spacious getaway to enjoy the surrounding natural beauty and the charming small town of Mentone.

There is a widespread appeal to living in a village town. The closeness and community, which so many people seek as they grow tired of big-city living, provide a reprieve not just reserved for short-term vacation getaways anymore. The desire to simplify has left many home buyers considering a step into the quiet life of off-the-beaten-path living.

The incredibly cozy town of Mentone, Alabama is home to just over 300 residents, two of those being Gerry Johnson and Burton Brockmann, who love all that Mentone has to offer. “The town is spacious and you get to know all the people that actively want Mentone to be a successful place,” said Johnson.

Three years ago, Johnson visited Mentone with a very specific goal- to find a home in the town she so dearly loved. But as her trip came to an end without having found her dream home, she was left with no hope of completing the job during her visit. On her way out of town, she came across a bare-bone

structure in the early phases of being built. She immediately called the builder. After some back and forth, they came to an agreement, he would complete the home with her input to create a homeplace that matched the allure of the town it resided in.

Johnson knew what they wanted; a threebedroom, three-bathroom home with a big tub and a fireplace. Her vision included a giant screened-in porch and a beautifully landscaped yard. And with the help of the builder, she was able to accomplish all that she envisioned and more. The home boasts lots of old, reclaimed wood and hand-built doors that lend to its unique beauty.

When you enter the home, it is clear to see that Johnson and Brockmann had no lack of creativity when designing the space. The upstairs loft area offers an unobstructed view of the downstairs living area and displays perfectly the height and space the home offers. Lots of natural light gives vivacity and promotes all the beautiful wood and color used throughout the house. Tall windows and doors give a grand feel while modern fixtures are strategically used

26 | HARDY REALTY | HOME FEATURE

to highlight areas of the home and all without taking from the traditional and comforting feel that is offered. Open shelving in the kitchen displays industrial fixtures, which contribute to the already open and airy space using modern touches. A gorgeous wood island offers additional counter space and provides a bar area for seating. And the timeless appeal of the large stone fireplace projects a warm and cozy seating area.

One part of the design that Johnson most loved is a butterfly garden placed just off of the oversized porch. Perhaps her most favored part of the build, she quickly got wrapped up in bringing this part of her vision to life. “I loved buying the plants, and it really became somewhat of an addiction,” said Johnson. Another part of the outdoor design was an area for her beloved dog, Piccolo, to play. Both of these areas have become high-traffic areas that provide a peace that only nature can provide.

HARDY REALTY | HOME FEATURE | 27

When asked what she loved most about her town, Johnson proudly spoke of St. Joseph’s on-the-Mountain Episcopal Church and its dedication to the community.

“A must-see is their Sacred Garden,” said Johnson. “It is a glory in the spring but simply beautiful in all seasons.”

If you have ever considered tranquil, small-town living, you are in luck. This stunning home, in this incredible town, is awaiting its next proud owner with many adventures in store.

For additional information, contact Hardy Realty at 706-291-4321.

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READV3.COM | FEBRUARY 2023 V 3 MAGAZINE 29 Trust the heart experts at AdventHealth.  We’re moving heart care forward by offering leading-edge cardiac treatments and surgeries — from the routine to the revolutionary — including transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), heart-rhythm restoration and comprehensive rehab plans. Our expert care keeps you feeling whole for your whole life. Find the heart care you need at GeorgiaHeartExperts.com or call 706-237-9451. Caring for the most hearts in Northwest Georgia
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ALL WE WANT IS A REMEDY

JUSTIN SHEPARD IS ON A MISSION TO TEST THE PALATES OF ALL BEER ENTHUSIASTS. WITH HIS PASSION FOR BREWING UNIQ UE CRAFT BEER AND THE RIGHT TEAM IN PLACE, RIVER REMEDY IS FINDING THEIR FLOW.

TEXT: IAN GRIFFIN PHOTOS: IVAN FELIPE

ON THE LESS POETIC SIDE, Frank the Tank once mused “Once it hits your lips, it’s so good!” For those who enjoy a cold beer, there isn’t a much better feeling than that first sip. The celebratory raising of glasses, the laughter, conversation, and general revelry that comes along with it evoke strong memories as well. Some of the world's most important decisions were made while sharing a pint, mug, or horn of ale. And not all brews are created equal.

While the craft beer boom we are still enjoying today started to take flight in the 1990s, its roots were planted in the 60s and 70s when many regional breweries were closing or consolidating. Breweries like Anchor Brewing and Sierra Nevada were founded in those decades respectively, with the Boston Brewing Company coming along in 1984 to help spur a boom that saw the number of breweries in the U.S. jump from 250 in 1990 to 7,190 by 2016.

To call it a boom is an understatement, and Romans are excited to have a homegrown brewery once again, thanks to Justin Shepard and the team at River Remedy Brewing Company.

Shepard’s love for craft beer was born during his time in the military, serving in the Navy for five years where he spent a good deal of time in Europe.

“My time overseas provided me the opportunity to try so many beers I had never experienced,” recalls Shepard. “Porters, Reds, Octoberfests, Browns, and Ambers. I really leaned more towards the malty flavors and didn’t care much for American beers.”

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"THIRSTILY HE SET IT TO HIS LIPS, AND AS ITS COOL REFRESHMENT BEGAN TO SOOTHE HIS THROAT, HE THANKS HEAVEN THAT IN A WORLD OF MUCH EVIL, THERE WAS STILL SO GOOD A THING AS ALE.” -RAFAEL SABATINI, FORTUNE’S FOOL

“When I came back home and my friends found out that I liked the European style beer, they started pushing a lot of popular hoppy IPA’s my way and those just weren’t for me. After they listened to me complain about bitter, hoppy craft beer long enough, one friend recommended that I try home brewing. My first reaction was that it wouldn’t be easy, but after a little research I gave it shot and haven’t stopped since.”

Shepard’s “if you don’t like it, brew it yourself” mentality paid off. He began with a brown ale that he still hoards a bottle of to this day. While it wasn’t perfect, he fell in love with the process. That was in 2013 and he has been perfecting his craft ever since.

He has dabbled in all sorts of flavors and styles, and his friends served as his focus group. He would dream something up and serve it to his beer-loving buddies and the reactions were always positive. While they raved, he continued to perfect his recipes, but the concept of opening a brewery was not something he was ready to embrace.

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“I was just focused on the brews at that time. The logistics of running a brewery were more than I could wrap my head around at that time,” says Shepard. “So I continued to create in my spare time and worked for several years at craft beer bars and took a few apprenticeships before taking a job at a brewery in Calhoun that was crushed by the Covid pandemic.”

“When the world shut down, there was a shift in how people approached their career paths. I noticed people giving up good wages for quality of life or taking more risks to do what they loved, and I saw an opportunity to be ahead of things here in Rome. So, with the backing of several investors that believed in the concept, we dove in with both feet.”

The end game of their concept was to brew and serve their own beer, but licensing and acquiring the proper equipment to do so can sometimes take up to 2 ½ years. To combat that and get revenue rolling through the door, the first phase was to open as a craft beer bar and segue into a full-service brewery.

They did just that in December of 2021 and despite selling other people's products, their focus on bringing in a good variety of craft beer along with a solid event, food truck, and entertainment schedule created a loyal customer base quickly.

Another element of the business plan was to connect to the community. The food trucks and musicians are certainly a part of that but starting January 1, 2022, a percentage of sales went to a

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different local non-profit each quarter. All-in-all, they raised $8,000 which was distributed to The Davies Shelter, PAWS, CRBI, and The Exchange Club of Rome in 2022. Their first quarter benefactor in 2023 is the Hospitality House. So, every time a pint is purchased at River Remedy, people in need are benefiting.

As 2022 neared its end, the time to transition to exclusively serving their own product arrived. On December 17th the Etowah Lite Floating Beer, Sabrewtage, Friar Tuck Dubbel, Romega IPA, CCC Road West Coast IPA, and the Coosa Dark Water Stout made their debut to rave reviews. Shepard has been working night and day to keep up with the demand ever since, while splashing in several new options along the way.

“On average I’m brewing twice a week and each brew yields roughly 60 gallons of beer,” says Shepard. “So I’m brewing 120 gallons a week just to keep up and that’s during the winter months so demand will only increase when the weather gets warmer. Quality is always the top priority, but I am researching faster brewing methods that will maintain that and hopefully allow us to keep up with the demand. Either way, people liking and drinking our beer is a good problem to have.”

The customer experience is another huge part of the plan. The branding and events play a large role in that, and two members of the ownership team contribute to those efforts; with Trent Olney handling the booking and social media management and Amy Fisher handling the branding and graphic design. Quality acts share their tunes up to three times a week and the graphics for the brews on tap jump off the page.

The last piece of that puzzle is quite important, and that’s the primary man behind the bar serving those ice-cold pints, Derek Tucker. A friendly and knowledgeable gentleman to say the very least, who can educate you on your beer selection or keep the conversation going on a wide variety of topics if time allows. Regardless, a warm greeting awaits when the time comes to order your beer.

It’s important to note that while the mission is to open your mind and your palate to new styles and flavors of beer, there is something for everyone on tap at River Remedy. New brews such as the Pa Berry Lager and the Oostanaula Great White Ale, the latter being Shepard’s proudest achievement, have been a hit, but they strive to meet all tastes and that goes for those not drinking alcohol as well. Hop water and tapped Swift and Finch cold brew are already available and root beer is in the pipeline.

“We want this to be a center of creativity that everyone can enjoy,” says Shepard. “I can’t tell you how much we appreciate the support so far and I’m looking forward to what the future holds.”

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