For those who have noticed the murals being painted along the outside of the building at 1906 US Highway 377 South – aka the Brady Highway – near the exit to the Truman Harlow overpass, the Grassroots Lounge is taking shape while eyeing an opening around the turn of the new year.

“That’s why we decided to do that, even though we’re not ready to open up,” said Rod Marsh, who along with his wife Tiffany Chartier are the duo that will operate the Grassroots Lounge. “We wanted to go ahead and get the logo out there. We hoped people would get interested and get intrigued by what we’re doing.”

Marsh, a self-employed artist, and Chartier, a Christian columnist and writer for the Dallas Express, have lived in Brownwood just a few short months after residing in the Metroplex.

“We’re a husband and wife team who feels the calling of God to move in this direction and hopefully build a community here in Brownwood, something lasting, well beyond anything that’s fleeting,” Chartier said. “Authentic relationships.”

When describing her vision of the Grassroots Lounge, Chartier said, “Think of a literary lounge when you think of the Grassroots Lounge. It’s really a gathering place for the community where people can talk about what they want in a place that’s not only inviting and comfortable, but where you can also have a drink if you want to and a small bite to eat. We’re going to offer one food item a day, whether it be chili and beans, or something grassroots simple.”

Chartier further expanded on the Grassroots Lounge vibe.

“It’s really an encouraging place to do life with the community for all ages,” she said. “We’re going to have people who come and speak about homesteading, canning, anything like that, and hopefully we’re going to join in with Howard Payne and get some of the college students involved for open mic night. I’m sure there are some talented young adults there. We’ll also talk about current events, and when I say that it scares people where they think it’s going to be a political aspect, but it’s not. It’s a bipartisan place where people can have an event space and use it for anything from a Bible study to a study group.”

Regarding how the couple wound up in Brownwood, Chartier said, “Truly providence. We decided a long time ago that what we would like to do is be able to live and work in the same space. That concept was something in the olden days that you just did. Your farm was in your front yard or backyard and you were there with your spouse. I have a visual impairment and I’m legally blind, you wouldn’t know it during the day but at night I use a cane. So us being near to one another was imperative.”

Marsh actually lived in Brownwood about 30 years ago, before embarking on his career as an artist.

“My mother lives here now and my brother lives just right outside of town,” he said. “We came back to family and Brownwood is the perfect size and location for us in the heart of Texas. It’s not too big, not too small. It has the right kind of mix with Howard Payne being here, and it’s close to Abilene. We’re really interested in getting to know the people that come in. We genuinely want to know the community where we are. We recently started going to a church here and we love it, it’s fantastic.”

Marsh added. “I’ve been a self-employed artist for 30 years, I work by myself. In that time I’ve been listening to talk radio and podcasts and different things that interest me. In that time, civics, basic knowledge about the constitution, how we should live our lives together, behavioral psychology, topics like that I’ve been listening to. In light of what’s been going on in our country I thought it was a good idea to bring people together. We don’t all have to agree, but even in the disagreement we can still be OK. There’s clarity in disagreement.”

Chartier has lived in the Dallas-area most of her life and welcomes the change of pace Brownwood provides.

“I grew up in Richardson, worked in Dallas, and people are more concerned about their cell phones than the person in front of them and that’s something I hope to change,” she said. “I really enjoy infusing positivity and genuine conversation with people. I think that’s sorely lacking, especially since the days of COVID when many people were isolated. It has impacted us and we need to get back to a place where you can walk in and say, ‘Hey’ I’m really glad you’re here.’ A place you want to come to, even if it’s just for five minutes or a couple of hours just to have a good conversation with someone – nothing judgmental, just what can I learn from you and what can you learn from me.”