Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristen Sumpter.
Kristen, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
If you were to tell me five years ago that I would open and own a beer garden, I would have laughed at you. I had just accepted my dream job out of the Public Service and Outreach arm of the University of Georgia, teaching nutrition and finance classes to Fulton County citizens. The years of studying the sociology of food systems and inequality in undergrad and grad school had paid off because I now had my nine to five, reliable, full package benefits job. It was extremely rewarding, I had great coworkers that have turned into best friends, and I was loving it.
Then there was my husband, Ed. He is a dreamer and I am a realist. We would sit on our front porch after work with a beer and he would talk to me about how we should live on a sustainable farm in the Swiss countryside in five years. I would then do the math and tell him it would take exactly 15.9 years to save up and why would he think he can live off the land when we currently can’t even keep a tomato plant alive. Another frequent conversation was how we wanted a beer and wine spot in Atlanta like the ones where we’re from in NC. A cozy, simple place with friendly people, no tvs, and a great self-serve selection. We talked about where it could be in Atlanta and what beers they would have. He’d say we should be the first to open one and I’d say how we have zero experience starting a business.
But we kept talking. And something started changing. My pragmatic approach to life had gotten me to a great spot in life, but about three years ago, I started getting more excited about the ideas in my head than the work I was doing everyday. One day, it just hit me. What’s stopping me from trying this beer garden thing out? The conversation quickly changed from, “why does this not exist in Atlanta!” to “what if we opened one in Atlanta?”. So in January of 2018, I wrote an 11-page business plan draft for Red’s Beer Garden, found the Benteen Park location in December 2019, quit my job this summer, we’re finishing up construction this fall/winter, and Red’s will open January 2020!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Yes and no. It’s been smooth because I know this is what I’m supposed to be doing. My faith has kept me focused. But, of course it hasn’t been smooth. I mean, when you’re working with any municipality with high standards AND you’re trying to sell alcohol, it’s going to be a headache. I’d say the past ten months have been a big ole headache. The city, several realtors, and a couple of lawyers haven’t taken me seriously. But I’ve made it out stronger and better because of the people that have come around to help us. I’ve been working at Eventide Brewing for a while and the owners and staff have given me industry contacts and advice because they support their employee’s goals. I emailed a random realtor and he knew he wouldn’t make more than ten cents off of me, but he believes in small business and spent months helping me find our location. There’s also Benteen Park neighbors who have signed petitions, spoken up in neighborhood meetings, and helped us demo the space because they see value in a neighborhood spot. It’s been a rewarding (not easy) experience starting this thing up.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Red’s Beer Garden story. Tell us more about the business.
Red’s Beer Garden is a restaurant opening January 2020 in Benteen Park, Atlanta serving counter service hot dogs and snacks as well as over 100 types of beer, wine, cider, mead, spiked seltzer, and non-alcoholic beverages. We’ll also have vegan hot dog options, gluten-free beverages, and instill a ‘beerclusive’ mindset into our employees and customers. Bud Light lovers to craft beer lovers, all are welcome. We will strive for diversity in our palates, people and discussion. Red’s will have the vibe of a brewery but with the selection of craft beer bar. Instead of ordering a beer at the bar, you’ll be able to choose your own can or bottle from self-serve glass door coolers and start a tab. It can be overwhelming looking at it all, but our staff will be trained on how to help you choose your next beverage.
I’m very proud that we got a spot in the neighborhood of Benteen Park. The neighbors are really fun and are excited to they have a spot they can call their own. With the Southside Beltline coming through, it’s going to see some drastic changes. Gentrification is a tricky thing but I hope and plan for Red’s to be a safe, inviting neighborhood spot for all.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Call it luck or call it a blessing, but I got lucky with my family. They really provided me with a solid foundation in my life and I think that has bled into the business. Financially, my parents taught me the values of saving and giving money, the need for (every type of) insurance, and how to have fun – whether it was with $5 or $5,000. My husband is the other good luck charm. I needed some of his spontaneous passion and all his support to get me thinking about Red’s. But of course, bad luck happens. A food truck ran into our storefront in July and completely demolished all the brick, windows and doors. Everyone was okay but come on, that was a freak accident.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1328 Boulevard SE Atlanta GA 30315
- Website: www.redsbeergarden.com
- Email: kristen@redsbeergarden.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redsbeergarden/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/redsbeergarden
Image Credit:
Rikki Klaus (only the headshot)
Suggest a story: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
