Rock’n Dough Pizza & Brewery in Germantown, Tennessee offers a unique dining experience by combining handcrafted pizzas with freshly brewed beer. This local favorite has expanded its operations to include a brewery, setting it apart in the Memphis area’s growing craft beer scene.
From Pizza to Pints: The Rock’n Dough Story
Rock’n Dough Pizza & Brewery first opened its doors in Germantown Collection in 2016. Initially focused on delicious pizza, the restaurant always envisioned incorporating a brewery. After overcoming space limitations by acquiring an adjacent space, Rock’n Dough realized this dream, becoming the only pizza restaurant in the Memphis area with an in-house brewery. Their success in Germantown followed a similar model established at their Jackson, Tennessee location, which was the first to feature brewing capabilities. A Nashville location is also planned.
Brewing Innovation in a Compact Space
Rock’n Dough’s 1,200-square-foot brewery allows for small-batch brewing, focusing on quality and unique ingredient combinations. According to Trevor Jones, Rock’n Dough operations manager, this smaller scale provides an advantage over larger breweries, enabling them to experiment with a wider variety of ingredients and craft truly distinctive beers. With 12 varieties on tap, there’s a brew to complement every pizza.
A Germantown First: Reviving a Brewing Tradition
While Rock’n Dough is not the first Germantown establishment to brew its own beer, it revives a tradition absent for many years. Germantown Alderman John Barzizza recalls Boscos, owned by Jerry Feinstone, as the first Shelby County restaurant to brew its own beer in its original Saddle Creek North location. Rock’n Dough now carries the torch, offering a unique dining experience in the Germantown area.
Navigating Local Laws and Setting a “Point of Difference”
The journey to brewing beer at Rock’n Dough involved navigating local alcohol laws. Changes in Tennessee law in 2016 and 2017 paved the way for selling and consuming beer with higher alcohol content in restaurants. In September 2017, the Germantown Board of Mayor and Aldermen granted Rock’n Dough the necessary permits for on-premise consumption and off-premise sales, allowing customers to enjoy their brews at the restaurant or take them home. This distinction, Barzizza notes, helps Rock’n Dough stand out among Germantown’s numerous pizza restaurants, offering a “point of difference” in a competitive market.
Rock’n Dough: A Local Flavor in a Chain Restaurant Landscape
In a dining scene increasingly dominated by chain restaurants, Rock’n Dough provides a local, chef-driven experience that resonates with customers seeking unique flavors and a sense of community. As casual dining chains face challenges, Rock’n Dough’s commitment to quality and its distinct brewery experience position it as a thriving destination in Germantown. The combination of handcrafted pizza and freshly brewed beer provides a compelling reason for locals and visitors to experience this Germantown gem.
Expanding Beyond Germantown: Rock’n Dough’s Future
Building on its success in Germantown, Rock’n Dough continues to expand. With a thriving location in Jackson and plans for a Nashville location, the company is bringing its unique pizza and beer experience to a wider audience. Rock’n Dough’s innovative approach and commitment to quality are shaping its future as a leader in the regional craft food and beverage scene. This expansion speaks to the growing demand for locally crafted food and beverage experiences, proving that Rock’n Dough’s concept resonates with customers beyond Germantown.
