As of Friday, Sept. 19, the former Floodwater in Tam Junction has been transformed into the new Tam Tavern by East Brother Beer Company. It was brought to life by Bill Higgins (Buckeye Roadhouse, Bungalow 44, Corner Bar), in partnership with the duo behind East Brother Beer Co., making for a friendship-powered new gathering place.
It turns out that while East Brother was founded in Richmond 12 years ago, the founders, longtime Mill Valley friends and neighbors Chris Coomber and Rob Lightner, still live in Mill Valley, where Coomber caught the homebrewing bug in Sycamore Park. In fact, the East Brother tagline succinctly sums this up: Born in Mill Valley. Brewed in Richmond. Built for the Bay.
They were approached by Higgins, who was looking for a beer-centric collaboration in the new restaurant concept, having been a fan of their brewery and choosing the East Brother brews to pour on his various other menus for years. But Tam Tavern now features a broader range, from light pilsners and lagers to various IPAs to Bavarian and Belgian-style beers. Coomber and Lightner are self-admitted beer fanatics. The opportunity to showcase their wide lineup with consulting chef Michael Siegel’s beer-friendly food menu is exciting.
As with most of us, East Brother Beer Company cofounder Rob Lightner didn’t really think he would be half of a popular brewery when he was attending UC Berkeley for his degree in Japanese. After a stint at an advertising agency in Tokyo, he went into the nonprofit sector and also spent 15 years at Sega of America in San Francisco. Today, perhaps one will find him pulled up to the 30-seat bar at Tam Tavern, enjoying a pint.
Amber Turpin: How did you get into this work?
Rob Lightner: After 30 years in the corporate world, I figured it was time to start something on my own, and with a partner.
Did you ever have an ‘aha’ moment with a certain beverage? If so, tell us about it.
Back in the ’90s, I thought the only alternative to Budweiser, Miller or Coors was Sierra Nevada. On a trip to France, I discovered the world of Belgian beer, which blew my mind.
What is your favorite thing to drink at home?
East Brother Bo Pils.
Where do you like to go out for a drink?
Anywhere that has a comfy bar and a diverse lineup of beer.
If you were stuck on a desert island, what would you want to be drinking (besides fresh water)?
Coffee, beer, whiskey.
Tam Tavern, 152 Shoreline Ave., Mill Valley, 415.843.4545. tamtavernmv.com.
