RIP Iron Hill Brewery

Bwifan

All-Conference
Oct 12, 2021
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Wow, the Newtown location was packed all the time.


Wow... I went to the one is Lansdale a few times with friends. They were always busy. Shame they filed for bankruptcy and are seeking new funding. 15 properties is a good size business. Sounds like they are going to attempt to reopen at some point if they get funding. See if they can reorganize the debt.
 

Relayer

All-Conference
Jun 18, 2001
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We got to know the bartenders in Newtown, a few who were there from the beginning. I hope they can land on their feet somewhere.
 
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LionJim

Heisman
Oct 12, 2021
13,626
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Establishing and running a brewery is a labor of love. So hard for the owners, damn.
 

psuro

Heisman
Aug 24, 2001
8,933
19,544
113
My previous employer would have Company sponsored Happy Hours at the Iron Hill in Maple Shade, NJ. Seemed like a nice place.
 
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psuro

Heisman
Aug 24, 2001
8,933
19,544
113
I guess people don’t drink beer anymore.
alice in wonderland disney GIF
 

JWB389

All-Conference
May 16, 2017
997
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We used to go out to dinner twice a week. Not to high end places, but restaurants like Iron Hill. In the last two years, quality and service across the board have plummeted and prices have obviously jumped. Not that I can’t afford it, but I cannot justify paying that much for a blah meal. After every meal and adding the tip, I continually comment ….it’s not worth it. We go out maybe once a month now.
 

Tom McAndrew

BWI Staff
Staff member
Oct 27, 2021
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Somewhat surprising. I've been to quite a few of their locations. They are major spots in several small towns around the Philadelphia region. For no particular reason, I haven't been to one in a year or so. But they were always crowded, and while the food was a tad expensive, it was also very good.

Their closing will leave some big gaps in the downtowns (so to speak; often just a few blocks) of some smaller towns.
 
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DELion

Senior
May 23, 2020
293
587
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Surprised this came so quickly after the earlier announcement. According to an article in the Newark Post:

"In 2016, the company announced it was partnering with a Connecticut-based private equity firm to accelerate its expansion along the East Coast."

Post Article

My guess is they took on too much debt. You would think the flagship location on Main St. in Newark would be prime but parking issues downtown limit traffic for the general public/non UD students. And there are other restaurants opening nearby at the Grove with free parking.
 

Nitt1300

Heisman
Nov 2, 2008
6,629
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We used to go out to dinner twice a week. Not to high end places, but restaurants like Iron Hill. In the last two years, quality and service across the board have plummeted and prices have obviously jumped. Not that I can’t afford it, but I cannot justify paying that much for a blah meal. After every meal and adding the tip, I continually comment ….it’s not worth it. We go out maybe once a month now.
My experience too. We're pretty much down to just our two favorite places, both single location family owned and run. I drive 30 miles to the closer one.
 
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LionJim

Heisman
Oct 12, 2021
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My experience too. We're pretty much down to just our two favorite places, both single location family owned and run. I drive 30 miles to the closer one.
Yeah, when we go out it’s almost always to the Outta the Way Cafe in Derwood. In general the food is nothing spectacular but happily they make great steak tacos, so I always order them. Three turns and I’m home.
 

CFLion

Senior
May 11, 2023
363
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I used to go to the one in West Chester. It's a prime corner location in the heart of downtown and was always busy. Hopefully the building won't be vacant for long.
 

Relayer

All-Conference
Jun 18, 2001
907
1,030
93
I'm sure Newtown was one of their better money makers. Only 5 years old, big and brand new. In contrast we were at the North Wales location in July and the bar area needed a renovation. The menu is pricey, but we usually went at happy hour. Can't beat the $5 fried chicken sandwich, and it was good.
 

CoachET

Freshman
Oct 12, 2021
58
91
18
The West Chester location was their first, and really started the downtown WC Renaissance. I was just there last week and as many of you commented, they were always crowded. Was a great spot to go when our kids were young as they had a good kids menu and mom and dad could grab a beer, which was usually needed while raising little ones.The WC location leaves a big hole. Hopefully they figure it out and can reopen some spots.
 

Tom McAndrew

BWI Staff
Staff member
Oct 27, 2021
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The West Chester location was their first, and really started the downtown WC Renaissance. I was just there last week and as many of you commented, they were always crowded. Was a great spot to go when our kids were young as they had a good kids menu and mom and dad could grab a beer, which was usually needed while raising little ones.The WC location leaves a big hole. Hopefully they figure it out and can reopen some spots.

For accuracy, the West Chester location was their 2nd locale. The Newark, DE establishment was their first.
 
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troutrus

All-Conference
Oct 7, 2021
813
1,091
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I retired from a Miller Brewery in 2004 that produced 7+ million bbls/yr. In 2016 the brewery was closed after 38 years. A real blow to our little town and the surrounding communities for sure, with the loss of some of the best paying jobs around and a total economic impact loss that was devastating to the area.
The hundreds of these micro breweries definitely put a hurting on the major national breweries.
Such is life.
Though businesses come and go, the beer will continue to flow.
Cheers!
IMG_1485.jpeg
 

MaconNitt

All-Conference
Oct 18, 2016
1,129
2,084
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Been to the center city location in Philly (12 th and Market) several times over the last few years. Convenient to the Hilton Canopy and Thomas Jefferson hospital. Could valet park the car and not have to move it until check out the next day after my appointments.
 

Tom McAndrew

BWI Staff
Staff member
Oct 27, 2021
71,936
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The Philadelphia Inquirer has posted a story on their web site (behind a paywall), that talks about the Iron Hill bankruptcy filing.

Per the Chapter 7 filing (Chapter 7 allows for liquidation, whereas Chapter 11 allows a company to reorganize and remain open), Iron Hill owes more than $20M to creditors, and has about $125,000 in the bank.
 
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LB99

Heisman
Oct 27, 2021
9,103
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The Philadelphia Inquirer has posted a story on their web site (behind a paywall), that talks about the Iron Hill bankruptcy filing.

Per the Chapter 7 filing (Chapter 7 allows for liquidation, whereas Chapter 11 allows a company to reorganize and remain open), Iron Hill owes more than $20M to creditors, and has about $125,000 in the bank.
Yikes.