Round Table Brewery: “A Balance Between Precision and Character”
Ricardo Petroni, founder and brewer of Round Table Brewery, brings his passion for craft beer and community to life in every pour. Established in 2023 at the Garner Arts Center, Round Table Brewery is a reflection of Ricardo’s commitment to creating a gathering space inspired by the camaraderie of shared asados and a deep appreciation for the craft beer culture. Dedicated to sustainability and rooted in connection, Ricardo’s vision is to craft inviting, memorable beers while fostering a welcoming community for all. DeliveryRank offers you an exclusive interview.
Alto Lindo is described as a tart yet refreshing drink you'd share at home and is highlighted as the inspiration for Round Table Brewery. Could you elaborate on the story behind Alto Lindo and how it influenced the establishment of the brewery?
Let me begin with my journey in brewing. Round Table is the second brewery I’ve started. My first venture was Equilibrium Brewing in New York, which I co-founded and managed. I served as CEO there for about three or four years, during which it became quite successful. Eventually, I decided to sell my shares to my partners and step away from the industry for a while. I needed a break and wasn’t planning to jump back into brewing anytime soon.
However, life has a way of reigniting passions. My wife, Lisa, and a longtime friend of mine—someone I’ve known for over 40 years from our high school days in Argentina—encouraged me to start brewing again. He happens to live close by, so it was natural for us to reconnect and experiment with beer-making as a hobby. This time, I wanted to focus on something different: sour beers. I was eager to explore their depth and complexity, which led us to create what would eventually become the precursor to Alto Lindo.
Alto Lindo was born out of a desire to embrace the rustic and familial atmosphere we associate with gatherings back home in Córdoba, Argentina. Our family house there, nestled in the middle of the mountains, provided a sense of warmth and simplicity that I wanted to replicate in our brewing philosophy. At first, we brewed purely for fun, with no intention of starting another brewery. But as Alto Lindo gained popularity and appreciation among those who tried it, I realized we had something special worth sharing with a wider audience.
That realization gave birth to Round Table Brewing. The name itself reflects our vision—a welcoming, inclusive space where people can come together, much like the round tables at family and friends' gatherings. In our culture, casual get-togethers are frequent and spontaneous, focused more on connection than elaborate planning. Food and drinks are integral but never the centerpiece—it’s the sense of community and belonging that truly matters.
We designed Round Table with this spirit in mind. Our taproom feels more like a cozy lounge than a traditional bar or restaurant, with long couches, relaxed seating, and an ambiance that encourages meaningful interaction. It’s a space where people can unwind, share stories, and simply enjoy each other’s company. This concept is deeply rooted in my own experiences and the close bonds I share with my wife and my friend, both of whom have been integral to this journey. Together, we’ve created a brewery that isn’t just about the beer—it’s about the connections it fosters and the memories it helps create.
Round Table Brewery has implemented the Econse BrüClean system to address wastewater challenges, demonstrating a commitment to environmental stewardship. Can you discuss the decision-making process behind investing in this technology and its impact on your operations?
I’m an environmental engineer by trade, and that’s the field I was working in before venturing into brewing. My interest in environmentally friendly operations actually began during my time at MIT. I’ve always been passionate about maintaining sustainable practices, and when the opportunity arose to implement eco-conscious systems at the brewery, I embraced it wholeheartedly.
One of our key initiatives focuses on water quality management. Although the water from our operations ultimately goes into the sewer system to be treated, I wanted to ensure that it arrives in a condition that’s more manageable for future treatment processes. To achieve this, we installed a system that equalizes pH levels, ensuring the water remains mild and avoids peaks that could disrupt downstream treatment.
We also remove the majority of the solids generated during the brewing process. This setup, while relatively simple, adds some extra work for us. However, I believe it’s absolutely worth it. Not only does it minimize our environmental impact, but it also allows us to contribute positively to the sustainability of our community. It’s a small step, but one that makes us proud to be doing our part for the environment.
The brewery has recently expanded into Williamsburg, Brooklyn, offering a cozy space for patrons to enjoy unique brews. What motivated this expansion, and how does the Brooklyn location differ from the original La Redonda Tavern in Garnerville?
The Brooklyn location is much smaller than the Tavern, but it has its own charm. It’s housed in a 200-year-old government building that we’re repurposing, and while the space is more compact, it offers a unique and historic atmosphere. You can see photos of the building on our website if you’re curious. The goal for this location was to recreate the same eclectic, laid-back vibe as our original space, but with a Brooklyn twist. The furniture is intentionally mismatched, creating a relaxed and inviting environment where people can gather and share experiences.
We offer a variety of 15 different beers, including sophisticated Belgian styles and other specialty brews. What we’ve noticed since opening about a month and a half ago is that the Brooklyn community really appreciates these specialty beers. In contrast, our Garnerville crowd tends to gravitate toward our core offerings. This difference has been exciting for us, as it highlights how our diverse beer portfolio can resonate with different audiences.
Expanding into Brooklyn also gives us the opportunity to build our brand and reach more people in the city. We want to introduce them to the breadth of what we offer while encouraging them to visit our original location. The Tavern is situated in an area surrounded by incredible outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and biking, so it’s a perfect destination for city residents looking to escape and explore. By meeting people where they are, we hope to share our passion for brewing and create a bridge that brings them upstate to experience all that our flagship location has to offer.
Round Table Brewery offers a membership program called Club 84, providing exclusive deals and the latest news. What benefits do members receive, and how has this program enhanced your relationship with the local community?
Club 84 is designed as a way to connect with and reward our most dedicated supporters—those who truly appreciate what we do at Global Brew. Membership offers exclusive benefits that make it worthwhile for our loyal fans. For instance, members enjoy larger pours for the same price, served in a special custom glass exclusive to the club. They also receive discounts on all to-go purchases, making it easier to take their favorites home.
One of the standout perks is early access to limited-edition products. We produce certain beers in very small batches, and these are made available first to Club 84 members before anyone else. It’s our way of showing gratitude to those who consistently support us and share in our passion for brewing.
The La Redonda Tavern location is noted for its Argentine-inspired cuisine and events. How do cultural influences shape your beer offerings and the overall experience at your brewery locations?
The experience we offer is deeply tied to the concept of spontaneity and connection. When we host events, there's a natural, almost serendipitous gathering that mirrors a cocktail party atmosphere. Even though people often arrive as strangers, it’s fascinating to watch them interact, moving between different seating areas and creating a dynamic, social energy. It feels less like a formal event and more like an organic coming together of people—an unplanned yet cohesive interaction that embodies the essence of community.
This approach is inspired by our Argentinian culture, where gatherings are often informal and centered around meaningful connections rather than rigid structure. For example, we incorporate traditional Argentine flavors into our offerings, such as empanadas. However, instead of the typical fried empanadas commonly found in Central America, we bake ours, adding a unique twist that creates a distinct vibe for the experience.
In addition to our food, our beers reflect the same philosophy of simplicity and depth. Argentinian beer culture emphasizes straightforward ingredients and techniques, resulting in complex flavors that aren’t derived from adding excessive elements like cardamom or citrus peels. Instead, we focus on elevating the natural essence of a small number of ingredients, allowing the flavors to shine. This minimalist yet intentional approach is central to how our beers are crafted and enjoyed.
If you would like to find out more about Ricardo Petroni and Round Table Brewery, please visit https://www.roundtablebrewery.com/