SCARBOROUGH — A new restaurant at 185 Route 1 has its roots in co-owner Jennifer Siegler’s 25 years in the service industry and Maine’s extensive craft beer industry.

Siegler, 43, and her husband, Dave, 50, opened 21 Taps three weeks ago, about a year and a half after they began devising a business plan and scouting for a location.

Dave Siegler is a restaurant “rookie,” Siegler said, with a background in automotive mechanics, so they bring different perspectives to the business.  

She said Scarborough was the chosen spot because Route 1 is busy, there is ample parking, and the owners believe there is sufficient demand for a casual restaurant offering activities like trivia night, karaoke and live bands.

The 4,000-square-foot space, which seats 140 people, includes a second room apart from the dining area for private functions and karaoke. The restaurant also has an outdoor deck that seats 60, and Siegler said she wants to plant gardens to surround the deck next summer.

The menu is described as wood-fired fare, from sandwiches to entrees, as well as a brick oven for pizza. The name reflects the 21 Maine craft beers on tap.

“We wanted to create a fun place with great food and we have a fantastic beer selection,” Siegler said.

The year-round restaurant, with 16 employees, will also highlight a single, small-batch brewery each month.

Siegler said the couple has seen a good turnout and many repeat customers. She said she would like to create a familial atmosphere, and has started a mug club and a wine club for customers to join.

Juliette Laaka can be reached at 781-3661 ext. 106 or at jlaaka@theforecaster.net. Follow her on Twitter @JulietteLaaka.

Jennifer Siegler at 21 Taps, her new restaurant on Route 1 in Scarborough.

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