It has been a busy two years at 104 Fayetteville St. in downtown Clinton for R & R Brewing. 

Since announcing their intention to move into the historical Henry Vann building in 2023, the R & R team has been busy working with local and state historical preservation organizations to renovate the building. 

The entirety of the first floor of the Henry Vann building, a total of 9,105 square-feet has been completely renovated. Owner and “Head of Hoperations” Ryan Roberts is working to bring to life two distinct businesses: a 2,000 square-foot taproom on one side and a 6,000 square-foot restaurant on the other. 

“The space itself is just huge, and the only thing that really divides it is the center support wall. So we tried to utilize the existing layout of the building, being that it was already naturally divided into two separate spaces in its original construction in 1921. It was used as one fluid space, but just separated,” shared Roberts. 

He shared that elements of the redesign were aimed at utilizing the historic features of the building while also introducing more natural elements such as the 30-foot-long American red oak countertop in the taproom. 

“The bricks that you see in here, those bricks have been in the same spot for over 100 years. That’s just wild to know that,” shared Roberts. “...it makes you have more respect for the natural elements. That’s why we go with the color scheme we do. That’s why we keep it simple.” 

Now, all of their hard work is on display as major construction wrapped in early 2025, and the team has begun adding details to the space such as tables, chairs, a bar, completing small detail orders for kitchen equipment and more. 

Historic details such as some of the factory gears, an old engine and even the old elevator have been preserved and will be used as decor. Roberts also shared that he is accepting antique items from the community members who used to work in the Vann Motor Company — previously located in the building – to also be put on display.

“This is very unique in the simple fact that time has been the persistent thing that moved on, and people have come and gone, and it’s still here. It’s still functioning, and now it’s functioning where the public can come into it and observe it and see it and see it for a while. It’s probably the same 20 people that saw it every day of their lives, pumping Ford cars and tractors in and out here,” shared Roberts.

The taproom will be made available for private events and has already hosted its first guests. 

Visit Sampson NC and the Clinton Sampson Chamber of Commerce office had the special privilege of getting a sneak peek at the space in early June. 

The public; however, will still have to wait until it’s officially up and running.

“The last major construction left is going to be the installation of the sliding door and the finishing of the bar tops. That should really be it as far as major stuff, everything else is little, the trash cans, the ice scoop, the racks, all that stuff.” 

Roberts also added that the Clinton location is also already hiring for staff members, looking to fill front and back of house positions, specifically looking for a front of house manager.

Anyone interested can contact him via email at ryan@randrbrewing.com. A grand opening date has yet to be announced, but the community can follow R & R Brewing on their Facebook at R & R Brewing - Kitchen & Taproom for the latest updates.