As R&R Brewing Kitchen & Taproom approaches its first anniversary in Clinton, owner Ryan Roberts is preparing a celebration designed to thank the community that embraced the business from day one.
On a recent Tuesday — the brewery’s only day of the week closed to customers — Roberts took time away from catching up on projects to reflect on building the Clinton location, the support he’s received from the community and his desire to give back.
“I kind of liquidated everything that I had,” Roberts said while recalling how he got the Mount Olive-based business off the ground in 2016. “I cashed in my 401(k) and all of that stuff and started buying insulation, drywall, brewing equipment, everything I could. Some stuff, when I could afford it, I would buy brand new. When I couldn’t, I would try to find it at auctions, on Marketplace or get by without it until we started making some money.”
It took Roberts about two years to build his first brewery. Then came the second. Construction on the Clinton location took roughly a year and a half before the taproom officially opened its doors on July 30, 2025.
“It’s been fun meeting the people of this area and getting to know them and their stories,” Roberts said. “It’s been awesome. I will say, hands down, coming to Clinton was the right choice versus anywhere else. You’ve got a lot of people who are willing to say, ‘I want my downtown to look nice for Christmas,’ so they’re willing to volunteer to help decorate.”
Roberts recalled volunteers helping decorate the brewery during the Christmas season, something he described as a tremendous help and an early example of the community’s willingness to support local businesses.
Now, he hopes to return that support.
R & R Brewery is serving as the summer meeting location for the Clinton-Sampson Rotary Club. Roberts, who has been a Rotarian since his early 20s, said staying involved in the community has always been important.
“I’ve always tried to stay involved with local government and stuff, whether it’s being on a Chamber board, the Pickle Festival committee or anything I’ve done in Mount Olive,” Roberts said. “It’s good to stay involved, not just for the aspect of being able to help, but also staying informed on future plans and what’s going on.”
The brewery may soon welcome another civic organization as well, with the Kiwanis Club discussing the possibility of holding its Thursday meetings there.
Roberts said he intentionally designed the space to be functional for groups of all sizes, with ample seating and a private meeting area. Looking ahead, he hopes to install a retractable projector screen to better accommodate presentations and corporate events.
“My favorite part is the private event aspect because it’s a defined group of people, so you get more of an opportunity to converse with the same person,” he said. “I call it the ‘Cheers’ vibe, like the old show. You want to go where everybody knows your name. The more automated society is getting with artificial intelligence and technology, the more that’s becoming lost. Siri knows your name, and Alexa knows your name, but so does the bartender at R & R.”
To celebrate the brewery’s first anniversary, on July 31, every purchase made throughout the day — including food, beverages, and merchandise — will receive a 10 percent discount.
In addition, $1 from every pint sold will be donated to the local YMCA, a cause Roberts said is especially meaningful after the organization held a fundraiser at the brewery during its first year.
The celebration will also feature several local vendors, from 4 to 8 p.m., including Coastal Buddy Builders, Carla’s Colorful Creations, and Bella Allure Permanent Jewelry, along with live music from Wayne County acoustic trio Wood & Steel, from 6 to 9 p.m.
Guests will also get the opportunity to sample new menu items, including loaded potatoes and a bone-in pork chop, while meeting the brewery’s new chef.
Every customer receipt collected throughout the day will be entered into a drawing for a gift basket featuring gift cards from several downtown Clinton businesses, including Simply Brewed, Thrill N Chill Family Fun, Butlers on Main, Matthews Gifts, Burney’s Sweets, and R & R Brewery.
“We went around because we wanted to show that we support these other places, but also put together a package so that somebody gets a prize for patronage,” Roberts said.
For Roberts, that’s what the anniversary celebration is all about.
“I want to keep the day as hyper-local as possible,” he said.
After a year of building not only a business but relationships throughout Clinton, Roberts said he’s looking forward to celebrating with the community — before, he joked, finally getting a good night’s sleep once the festivities are over.