FRONT ROYAL — Sometimes it all comes together — the perfect person comes along to run their dream business in an ideal location. According to owner Jim Justice, the Chester Street Tavern has enjoyed that type of synchronicity. Located in the 220-year-old Mullen-Trout home at 12 Chester St.
, the house provides an idyllic backdrop for the colonial nano brewery and tasting room opened by Justice at the end of December. “I had gotten into a traditional tavern-style of beer brewing called cask,” Justice said. “An old house that has a cellar lends itself to that well.
This house was built in 1806 — Thomas Jefferson was president when this building was built — and so the whole concept came to mind of a colonial style brewery. The more I got into this house, the more I realized what a fit it was.” Noting that the home of the tavern is the third-oldest standing building in Front Royal, Justice said, “To bring it back again and give it a new chapter in life, was just meant to be.
” The tavern, it seems, is also a great fit for Justice’s varied interests and experiences. A retired Army veteran, he is also an amateur harmonica player, a friendly host and an experienced salesman — all of which come into play in his new business venture. Justice spent nine of his 20 years in the military in Germany, where he became familiar with the country’s beer culture.
“I drank my share of beer,” he laughed from the patio of the tavern. “It’s hard to live in Germany and.
