Smit and Dipen Patel
Cleveland, Tn., took a step forward toward getting its first micro brewery with passage of an ordinance by the City Council on Monday.
The measure passed 4-2 with Dale Hughes and Charlie McKenzie opposed. In favor were Mayor Tom Rowland, Vice Mayor George Poe and Councilmen Richard Banks and David May. Bill Estes was absent.
It still must pass on second reading in two weeks to go into effect.
Smit Patel and friend Dipen Patel said they hope to have the operation open within about four months.
They plan to occupy two units of a new 11-unit strip center at the site of a former car wash on 25th Street next to Title Max and near Walgreen's.
Dipen Patel said the two are home brewers and they have been studying the business, including trips to the Monkey Town micro brewery in Dayton.
Smit Patel operates a convenience store, while Dipen Patel is a production engineer for a manufacturer at Athens, Tn.