Major Brewery from Northwest Philadelphia Expands Operations to Suburban Area
Wissahickon Brewing Co., a well-established brewery known for its distinctive offerings, is set to expand once more, this time into the Montgomery County suburb of Maple Glen. Following the recent opening of its second location in Olde Kensington less than two months ago, the Gill family, owners of the brewery, have submitted plans to the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board to launch a satellite location in the space formerly occupied by Brick & Barrel Taphouse.
Tim Gill Sr., a principal in the family-run business, expressed optimism about the prospective new outpost, which he expects to launch by the end of 2023. The site will undergo significant renovations aimed at creating a brewpub atmosphere that aligns with Wissahickon’s established identity. As part of the transformation, the brewery plans to preserve its culinary features, including a full kitchen equipped with a wood-fired pizza oven, an asset that Gill Sr. believes will enhance customer engagement. He intends to create an open space where patrons can witness their pizzas being crafted, similar to the visibility they have come to expect from beer and kombucha production at other locations.
Located in a vibrant area, Maple Glen is already home to established eateries such as Verona Pizza, known for its cheesesteaks, and other local favorites like Maple Glen Pizza and Fratelli’s. Despite the competition, Gill Sr. is confident that Wissahickon Brewing Co. will carve out its niche by combining a family-friendly environment with a dynamic bar scene. The brewery will be uniquely positioned as one of the few establishments in the area to offer a full bar, which, combined with the anticipated influx of new residents from the developing townhomes nearby, could attract a diverse crowd.
The closure of Brick & Barrel approximately one year ago provided the Gill family with an unexpected opportunity, prompting Tim Gill Jr. to alert his family about the available space. After signing the lease for the property located at 870 Welsh Road during the construction phase of their Olde Kensington location, the Gills are now poised to bring their celebrated brewery experience to Maple Glen.
Moreover, the new site will feature an in-house café, Wirlybird Coffee, allowing for breakfast service starting as early as 7 a.m., while beer service is scheduled to commence at 11 a.m. The Gill family remains committed to creating a welcoming venue, aiming not just to attract initial visitors, but to cultivate a loyal customer base over time. As they prepare for this new venture, the family emphasizes their dedication to enhancing the community’s dining and social landscape.
With its ongoing expansion, Wissahickon Brewing Co. continues to build on its reputation as a pivotal player in the regional brewing and culinary scene, signaling exciting developments for both the brewery and the Maple Glen community.
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