Editor's note: Muncie Origins is a Ball State Daily News series profiling various businesses that originated in Muncie.
From the free, old-fashioned arcade games to the children’s art hung from the walls, Twin Archer Brewpub aims to be a restaurant that offers something for everyone, bringing the community together.
The restaurant, located at 117 W. Charles St., opened a little over a year ago when co-owners Jake Baldwin, Shane Roberts and Scott Limbird wanted to make their mark on the town they had grown up in. They all had experience in the food industry and wanted to give back to the community, so they decided they would combine the two interests.
When starting their business, the co-owners agreed they wanted everyone who came to the brewpub to feel like they were being accepted into a family, so the restaurant has a family-oriented atmosphere.
“It’s really comfortable, it’s really open,” said Nathan Roberts, a brewpub regular. “I think it’s really receptive to different types of people. You definitely see a much bigger dynamic, more people here.”
Daniel Tasson, the kitchen manager, said the environment makes him feel at home when he is cooking, and he enjoys the freedom to experiment with classic American dishes.
Waitress Bri Redd said The Charlie Cardinal — a sandwich on a brioche bun with fried chicken breast, ranch dressing, lettuce, onion, tomato and pickles — is their most popular dish, but Twin Archer also offers a variety of other dishes, including vegan options like Cauli-Wings.
The wings are cooked like traditional Buffalo wings, but they are made of cauliflower rather than chicken.
“These are bomb,” said Amanda Smith, a junior business major. “[Twin Archer has] some of the best fried cauliflower I have had in a long time. I’m going to have to stop on the way home and get some.”
Every dish is made from scratch at Twin Archer, and they try to use fresh ingredients grown in Muncie. They also serve craft beer from local breweries such as New Corner Brewing Company and The Guardian Brewing Company.
“Since we are all part of the same community, we have an understanding between us about what the people in Muncie like,” Roberts said.
The owners strive to be hands-on, and, frequently, they can be seen at the brewpub engaging with and serving customers, as well as taking care of any task that needs to be done, like washing the dishes.
“There’s never a moment where someone is not doing something,” Roberts said.
The greatest problem Twin Archer faces today is connecting with the Ball State community, especially students, Tasson said.
The brewpub has been working to advertise on campus to attract students, but they also hope to draw more of a crowd through their back room, which can be reserved for events such as parties, wedding rehearsals, baby showers and high school reunions.
Contact Seren Pekola with comments at sfpekola@bsu.edu.
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