Rodrigue turns beer into business

Two years ago, former electrical engineer and biomedical technician Jesse Rodrigue converted a personal interest in brewing beer into a professional pursuit. “I didn’t see myself in control of my future, so I started my own business,” he says. Within a week, Rodrigue drafted details to launch a new homebrew retail outlet where fanatical, regional brewmasters could source grain, yeast, carboys and other essential ingredients. A month and a half later, Red Stick Homebrew opened on Jones Creek Road. “It was about twice as expensive as I thought it would be,” says Rodrigue, “but we’ve had very good reception. We get a lot of serious homebrewers.” Find out what else is on tap in the Capital Region food scene by reading 225 Select here.