Iron Hill Brewery Announces Reopening Plan

Iron Hill Brewery is preparing to reopen five of its locations less than a year after filing for bankruptcy and temporarily closing all restaurants. The revival comes after investors, including original founders, successfully purchased the brand and select locations following a bankruptcy process.

From 22 Locations to a Focused Approach

At its peak, Iron Hill Brewery operated 22 locations and employed over 800 people. However, rapid expansion, particularly following the pandemic, proved unsustainable, leading to the company’s financial difficulties and eventual shutdown. The new iteration of Iron Hill will be smaller and more focused on core strengths.

Revival Led by Original Founders

Mark Edelson, an original founder and now a board advisor, is part of the ownership group leading the brewery’s resurgence. “We can be more focused in a smaller number of restaurants and really pay attention to the things that made us great: the food, the beer and the service,” Edelson said. He also noted the strong customer loyalty to the brand.

Reopening Locations

The five locations slated for reopening are:

  • Wilmington, Delaware
  • Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania
  • Hershey, Pennsylvania
  • Lancaster, Pennsylvania
  • Center City Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (East Market Street)

Return of Familiar Faces

The company anticipates many former employees will return as operations resume. Matt Gundrum, the director of brewery operations, who previously spent 20 years with Iron Hill, rejoined the team after a brief period working in roof sales. “It’s not easy to find a job anymore, the way the market is…When I finally did get that phone call, it washed over me like, this is real,” Gundrum stated.

Looking Ahead

Edelson emphasized the renewed commitment to customer experience. “It’s the renewed commitment to the experience of the customer and we’re really focused on that,” he explained. The Center City Philadelphia location is expected to be the first to reopen in mid-April, with applications currently being accepted. Reopening dates for the remaining four locations have not yet been announced.