Newsmakers 2015: Carisa Stark

Carisa Stark's passion for hometown living, a great burger and a crafted brew has landed her in what she calls "the exact perfect place."

Stark, 39, says she constantly meets people who come from an 80-mile radius to eat at her restaurant and bar, Mary Jane Burgers & Brew, in rehabilitated historic buildings on North Jackson Street in downtown Perryville, Missouri.

Twenty craft beers on tap sell out daily, and the food, made with all-natural ingredients and local produce, is said to be the best around.

Stark's background as a training and staffing manager in the service industry was put to good use when, a few years ago, she decided to fix up a food truck she found on Craigslist. Not long after, in the spring of 2013, the success of selling food on the go led Stark to buying the current location for Mary Jane Burgers & Brew.

She named the restaurant after her grandmother, Mary Jane Buchheit.

"The reason I went with downtown is it's so rich in culture and architecture, and I really believe downtown areas all over the United States are starting to thrive," she says. "People want to support local and independent."

Stark's involvement with a downtown revitalization group in Perryville has helped bring about monthly events that draw many visitors to the area, and give locals something to do.

Stark's efforts to improve the physical and cultural environment of the city's downtown are now well known, and Stark says she has more development of her business and downtown planned as local interest in craft beer, including membership in her 700-member beer club, continues to grow.