But hey, there was a lot more to this than just drinking and eating and saying congratulations. This, as I mentioned to IH co-founder Kevin Finn, was epochal: this is a solidly financed, experienced brewpub opening in South Jersey, in a beer wasteland so sparsely dotted with good beerspots that it is legend in southern PA. I have no doubt that this will affect the business at Philly beer bars, because there will be a lot of NJ beervolk who will no longer feel the need to cross the Delaware as often. Iron Hill Maple Shade was hopping last night, and I'm sure they're going to do very well.I am also convinced that this will change the rules in this area entirely, those rules being "stick to what sells, don't get that fancy micro-shit beer." Iron Hill is going to show South Jersey bar owners and restaurateurs that craft beer not only sells, it sells well at a higher price; Iron Hill is going to rub their noses in that. And those rules will change, and there are going to be new bars, and new beer selections. You bet there are. This is very big, and will affect Philly bars, will affect Flying Fish, Yards, and Philadelphia Brewing (and every other packaging brewer who's ready to capitalize on it).
If you live in South Jersey, and you've been waiting for this for years...welcome home. Your brewpub just arrived.
2 comments:
I couldn't agree more... Iron Hill will set the bar for what will hopefully be an emerging and growing market for brewpubs in the southern NJ suburbs of Philly. There are already several great choices for beer bars that have opened or expanded their draft lists over last couple of years (The Blue Monkey Tavern with the best draft list in the area, Pizzeria Uno, Champps, Cork, the High Street Grille, The Pourhouse, Mexican Food Factory, etc.) I expect Iron Hill will go a long way to raising consumer awareness of craft beer in the area.
It was good to see you on Monday (I figured you'd be there!). Too bad we couldn't talk longer. Do let me know if you're headed over for lunch or something and maybe we can share a few pints and tall tales.
:o)
Brian
Was there last night. Lots of non-craft people, which is a good thing. I don't mean the following as a slam. For a lot of people, a brewpub is a theme restaurant.
So, finally, a brewpub. South Jersey may succeed as a good beer scene in spite of its liquor license situation.
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