Meet The Team
TIM STEVENS
OWNER/OPERATOR
Starting in the restaurant industry at the age of 15, Tim Stevens’ first job was waiting tables in an upscale retirement community in his hometown of Clearwater, FL. His quickly realized his passion was to excel in the hospitality industry, with a determination and willingness that lead him to Atlanta to attend Georgia State University, focusing on a degree in Hospitality Administration. Stevens quickly became a recognized name in management positions within the renowned Buckhead Life Restaurant Group (BLRG). At the time, Stevens was the youngest BLRG General Manager, holding positions at Nava (now closed) and Chops Steakhouse & Lobster Bar. His position at Chops led him to win “Best Wine List” from Wine Spectator for his curated wine selections and “Best Service in Atlanta” from Creative Loafing.
In 2004, Stevens took on the challenge to become one of the catalysts of Birmingham, Alabama’s growing culinary scene. This move further broadened his expertise as an entrepreneur, with La Dama Pizzeria and Urban Café, becoming two of the city’s staple eateries under his ownership.
After learning invaluable lessons as an entrepreneur, Stevens relocated to Atlanta’s bustling culinary scene to serve in executive-level roles with Culinary Concepts as General Manager at both MARKET Buckhead and Cook Hall (both have since closed), based in the previous location of the W Hotel Atlanta Buckhead (now Colie Hotel).
Hungering for the entrepreneurial side of the business again, Stevens and his wife Lisa decided it was time for him to revisit his empire-building aspirations and open a brewpub unlike any other both inside and outside Atlanta's perimeter. Sharing his ambitions with longtime peers, friends, and renowned influencers in the industry, most notably celebrity restauranteur Kevin Rathbun and brewing icon Kevin McNerney (Sweetwater Brewing), From the Earth Brewing Company (FTE) was born.
Just as success seemed to be on autopilot at FTE, Stevens felt it was time to revisit his fine-dining roots. He quickly set out to create the second concept, Bask Steakhouse, right next door to FTE. With its doors opening in February 2023, it has quickly become an additional staple restaurant on the east side of Roswell.
LISA STEVENS
OWNER/MARKETING
Lisa graduated from Valdosta State University with a Bachelor's in speech communications with a focus in public relations. She pursued her entrepreneurial spirit in 2014 when she started her boutique marketing firm, MKT Collaborative. She has continued her efforts at From the Earth, being an important role in branding the brewery and brewpub in the Roswell area. As one of three breweries in Roswell, Lisa has focused her efforts on community outreach and involvement and successful events while strategically engaging From the Earth in the marketplace.
Lisa received the “10 under 40” Award from Roswell Magazine, which recognizes and honors the top local young professionals under forty who have significantly impacted their careers and the Roswell community. For over ten years, she has been an advocate for The Drake House, a non-profit organization that provides short-term crisis housing, education and empowerment programs for homeless single mothers and their children. In June of 2021, she was appointed to the Board of Directors and currently serves as the Chairwoman of the Board. In October of 2021, she was a keynote speaker for the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce’s Inaugural Women Influencing Business Leadership Summit and was an award finalist for Business Women of Excellence Rising Star. Lisa also serves on the Board of Directors for Roswell Economic Development and Tourism, Inc., which oversees Roswell Inc. and Visit Roswell initiatives.
AJ NORCIA
EXECUTIVE CHEF
Born and raised in Georgia, Executive Chef A.J. Norcia started his culinary journey at home cooking with his parents. At the age of 16, he got his first “real” job at their favorite little Italian restaurant, and the rest is history. While attending college, he decided to pursue his passion for food and transferred to the Art Institute of Atlanta to study culinary arts. During this time, he was working at Encore Park (now Ameris Bank Amphitheatre) as a backstage caterer. He enjoyed the vibrance of the music business and a year later was out on tour full-time.
Throughout his twenties, A.J. was fortunate to spend nine years on the road with some of your favorite bands. During this time, he fell in love with traveling, photography and backpacking. Every concert was an opportunity to go somewhere new. He spent days trekking deep into the wilderness with nothing more than he could carry in a backpack. These backcountry adventures allowed him to capture unique moments in some of the most beautiful and remote places in the world. These journeys improved his perspective on life, instilled humility and ingrained perseverance into his persona.
After a decade of being on the road, he decided to come home and re-enter the restaurant scene in Atlanta. Over the years, he gained more experience with health-driven menus, southern cuisine, farm-to-table concepts and large-scale corporate catering. After 21 years in the industry, A.J. has landed at From the Earth Brewing Company, where he can continue his passion for food and music.
AUSTIN CLARK
GENERAL MANAGER
Austin is a Georgia native who has carved his career through his own restaurant experience since his freshman year in college at Kennesaw State University where he studied marketing. His first restaurant job was a means to an end, but he soon found his passion in hospitality. Austin finds joy in not only building relationships with guests but the way friendships are built around the table with chef driven quality dishes.
ALEX CIABURRI
BREWMASTER
Alex is the newest addition to FTE as the new head brewer. He has been in the brewing industry for 10 years. He has been living in Atlanta for the past 25 years, but he was born in Belgium. In his free time, he enjoys the outdoors, music, and cooking. He is looking forward to contributing to the outstanding reputation of From The Earth Brewing Company.