Round Top’s Brooke Michie
In this monthly series, local realtor Andrea Schutter Riebeling does a Q & A with local business leaders about what inspires them. This month’s spotlight is on Brooke Michie, owner of Lollitop Sweetshop and Round Top Brewing.
1. What is your business?
Hi! I’m Brooke Michie and the businesses are Lollitop Sweetshop and Round Top Brewing in Round Top, Texas.
2. How did you get started?
My husband Paul has been in the restaurant industry for 25 years and really enjoyed homebrewing. I joined him in homebrewing about a decade ago and we began to realize we’d like to make the dream of a brewery, taproom and kitchen a reality for ourselves one day. Lollitop Sweetshop was born of remembered childhood joy and opportunity that coincided when an 1865 saltbox house became available right next-door to the brewery, still in progress. We had been waiting so long for the brewery to get going that we decided to open this lovely little place for all to enjoy next door. We used to day trip from Austin with our young sons and saw a need for a little something sweet and figured we’d take a chance on it.
3. How long have you been in business?
Lollitop Sweetshop has been in business since the middle of the fall show and opened October 22, 2020. Our landlord, Mark Massey, helped get us open with a quickness and rented a diesel powered generator until power could be brought to the new block. We worked tirelessly to renovate, paint and stock the place with no power and little notice. Round Top Brewing will be opening just ahead of the Fall 2021 Round Top Antiques Show in mid October.
4. Is it a female only run business?
Female owned and family operated with some wonderful friends who are also employees. We are also looking for a dedicated staff of folks who care, have a great work ethic and positive attitude and who want to be treated and paid well, for the long haul.
5. What kind of services do you perform?
We are retail and food service at Lollitop Sweetshop and at Round Top Brewing, we are making our own beer from scratch in our attached brewery and serving it on draft, in cans and bottles in the taproom along with other fantastic guest taps, wines, bubbles and ciders. We will feature thoughtful and unique menu items of satisfying foods inspired by European and Texas traditions. We use many local and seasonal ingredients and will prepare specials and host events including game nights, and live music.
6. Tell us something unique about your business
At the helm of our brewing operations and kitchen is Paul Michie. He and his mother Sherry, who recently moved to Round Top with Paul’s father George, are both classically trained and degreed chefs with 55 years experience between them. They joyfully and painstakingly devise menus and develop new dishes to suit the seasons and please diverse palates. Along with food and beverage menu staples, the specials will be what keep people coming back time and again. We have noticed this with Lollitop Sweetshop, where we have enjoyed experimenting with menu items that will soon show up next door when the brewery opens. Our wine and bubbles list will be unique selections that rotate, chosen with the help of Marco Fiorilo of Aviary Wine + Kitchen in Austin, an old friend with a shared passion for interesting wines and other beverages.
7. What is your background?
While I touched upon Paul’s background, mine is in the service industry as well, as a hairstylist for two decades and studio salon owner since 2009. Paul and I met at UT Austin School of Fine Arts where we earned degrees in fine art painting (Paul) and design (Brooke). Design, as a process and not necessarily a singular product certainly informs everything I do from helping design and renovate an old farmhouse we had moved on to our property to creating our spaces and selecting our goods.
8. What do you suggest to others who want to venture out and take a leap of action in the future of their career?
Research, research, research. And possess a great affection for the process of brewing and the service aspect of restaurants and bars. You have to love and respect people and be willing to sacrifice comfort, financial security, and sleep. Seek education wherever possible and try to devise ways to prioritize your health and family in the midst.
9. Do you believe in college, trade school or any training?
The more you can learn the better. It doesn’t really matter what form that takes. Academic, or experiential, we have found that both are incredibly valuable. Learning from family, learning from peers and mentors is such a valuable place to start. Find the resources – they are out there. Talk to as many people as possible and you will find others who share your enthusiasm and who are willing to help you learn. Opportunity arises from education.
10. What do you love about Round Top? Community, sunsets, family dinners, the focus on arts, the mix of ages, experiences and unique business owners.
11. What makes you laugh?
Our kids are hilarious! And my dad, Larry who also joined us here in Round Top. Lately, when something happens I can’t resolve easily, laughter bubbles up. And lastly, Ted Lasso. If you haven’t seen it, please try to. Super funny and feel-good.