Aiken Brewpub | 24 Years in the Making

Rob Pruiett began his adventure in micro brewing on December 1, 2003, when he and his father, Lannie Pruiett, purchased the Aiken Brewing Company from Dan Beavers. Rob had moved with his wife and 4-year-old twins from Nashville to Aiken to be closer to his parents. The timing was right because after the move his mother Mary was diagnosed with cancer; they were fortunate to spend 8 years together before she passed away. Rob reflects, “Mary Pruiett was everyone’s hero. Her legacy is everything to me. Ensuring family first, my mother was amazing. She started as a secretary at Whirlpool in the 70s, and by the time she left she was the Vice President. She was one of Oprah’s top 10 women in manufacturing.” He continues, “My parents’ story was a true love story. They were together since the 8th grade. They were neighbors growing up. My dad was the greaser and my mom was the nerd, just like in the movie Grease. Always together always loving, not one person on this earth would say something bad about Mary and Lannie.”

Rob had been living in Aiken for 2 years and was 30 years old when the opportunity to purchase the brewery became available. He had worked at the Bowery, had done some catering, and was working for Bev South, a local Miller distributor, as a regional sales manager. Rob and Lannie had been looking for a location to open a restaurant. While distributing beer, Rob was introduced to Dan and got wind of his desire to sell the business. They closed on the purchase on a Saturday night and opened for business the following Monday.

Rob attributes much of the success of the business to the staff that stayed on after he took over the brewery. Mrs. B (Carmealee Beavers) worked with him for a year to help him learn how they had run the business. Randy Doucet had been a brewer since August of 1997, the year it opened. He has been brewing ever since and is the Master Brewer. Rob states, “We have always had a great team under Randy’s leadership. I am lucky to have someone of his caliber and his attention to detail.” Adam Fulgham was a bartender when the Beavers owned the business; he has stayed on and is the current bar manager. “Adam is my shining light. I have owned and operated businesses in 5 different states. I have never seen one like him. People come to see him. He brings it every day, great attitude, kick-ass smile, super cool. I love him to death. Best bartender I have seen since me.” When asked to describe the vibe of the pub to an outsider, Rob responds, “Watch Cheers on Netflix and then come to the pub. It feels like that, and Adam is Sam.”

Will Simms from Charleston is the current chef. Will came on in November to improve moral and make the kitchen more efficient. Rob shares, “Will is a great addition to the family and brings new ideas. In this business you get tunnel vision over the years. I need fresh eyes, opinions, anything to grow the business. He is an Aiken local, came back from Charleston to rule the roost. I am lucky to have him as well.”

Rob takes pride in doing the right thing. He says, “This isn’t the place to be selfish. This is a true family, group, and town effort. I am very fortunate to have the team I have. If you pay them right, treat them right, and give them the opportunity to succeed, anything is possible. The city has been great to us. We are glad to be part of the ADDA (Aiken Downtown Development Association). We are the longest-standing restaurant downtown and are proud to be one of the cornerstones.”

Besides the staff, the food and the beer are the main drivers of success. The mug club membership provides for good marketing as well as comradery and friendship. The food inspiration is to pair Randy’s world-class beer with world-class grub. The next addition to the pub will be a smoker, to add another layer of complexity to the food. “Come see what’s smokin’.” Rob states, “I am looking forward to a new menu, getting back to somewhat normality, a later curfew, and good weather. We are super stoked about coming back, but want to remain safe, so mask up.”