USA, TN: Panther Creek Brews set to open at noon on June 20

Although COVID-19 put a kink in plans, Panther Creek Brews is finally set to open at noon Saturday, June 20, at 714-F W. Main St., Murfreesboro, former home to the Green Dragon Pub and Brewery, The Daily News Journal reported.

Co-owner JT Gowen said the company wants to be mindful of social distancing guidelines. So this weekend will be a soft opening and can release for Dedication IPA.

“We hope everyone can bear with us. This is the first time we’ve ever done this,” said Gowen, admittedly nervous about opening in the middle of a pandemic. “But we are excited and hopeful, and we’ll try our best to make sure everybody is happy.”

Gowen said they are focusing more on pickup and to-go orders. But the taproom will be open at 50% capacity. My Roots Curbside Catering will be the food truck on site, and there will be a few tents for customers to shelter from the sun.

Panther Creek Brews originally started with Gowen and Jeremy Taylor. The two men began brewing together in 2003 as a way to “hang out and get the families together.” It wasn’t long before they joined the Mid State Brew Crew, a hobby brewing club.

What started as a hobby turned into awards and medals at brewing competitions across the region.

“It got to where more people than just friends and family were telling us we made good beer,” Gowen said.

By 2008 Gowen and Taylor were joined by Melvin Stewart and “got more serious” about brewing.

“We just worked at it and tried,” Gowen said.

In 2015 Panther Creek Brews officially formed as a company. Then the hunt was on to find a place to brew permanently.

“It was pretty tough. We had a couple of locations earmarked and a couple of deals fell through along the way,” Gowen said.

In the meantime Gowen said the company contracted with other brewing companies and even brewed a few batches at the Green Dragon long before the company took over the space.

Now the company has its own space to brew up its award-winning beers.

In addition to the soft opening, Panther Creek will also release its newest beer, Dedication IPA, which is a nod to the genesis of the company.

“Dedication, that’s literally it. Dedication is what it takes to realize your dreams, and we’ve stayed dedicated since 2008,” Gowen said.

The description on the beer can tells the story:

"Early mornings, late nights, weekends and holidays … staying focused in the face of adversity. Continuing to press forward even when the road ahead is difficult and fraught with hardship requires Dedication."

Gowen said Dedication is a dank and citrusy 7.6% ABV double IPA. Flavors are described as earthy and spicy bitterness with citrus character. “It’s a big, bold IPA,” Gowen said.

And while Panther Creek is selling beer, Gowen said he hopes the company's story inspires others hope to achieve their own dreams.

“Stay dedicated to your craft or your dreams and it’ll happen," Gowen said.

Along with releasing Dedication IPA, Panther Creek Brews will be serving its award-winning Peanut Butter Thrilla Milk Stout, Blueberry Two Scoops cream ale and Side Hustle IPA, as well as beers from other Middle Tennessee breweries.

15 June, 2020