Iron Hill Brewery Is Back: New Locations Reopen Around Philly Region

Just over a year ago, Iron Hill Brewery announced the abrupt closure of all of its remaining locations, seemingly tolling the death knell for the popular chain that had existed in the Philadelphia area for nearly three decades.

This autumn, Iron Hill is back.

Five Iron Hill locations have reopened around the region, including Center City, Huntingdon Valley, Hershey, Wilmington, and Lancaster.

While it's a far cry from the 19 that were in business before closures began last year, it's a clear new chapter for the brand under Jeff Crivello, the former CEO of Famous Dave's BBQ.

Iron Hill spokespersons said that while there are some changes, the same essential Iron Hill experience will be in place.

"This time around we are diligently committed to our team members and guests," Taylor Hentzman, sales and training manager, told Patch. "We are laser focused on a culture of care. I am so excited to be working with a Philly and PA executive team who is passionate about our people, product and community."

Iron Hill will continue to work on new seasonal beers, which they say have "never been better." Matt Gundrum, the director of brewery operations, pointed to the Raspberry Cheesecake Sour in Wilmington and the Philly Cream Ale in Center City, specifically.

"Our brewers, more than ever, truly have pride in every pour, from tank to tap," Gundrum added.

The food menu's stalwarts will remain unchanged, with cheesesteak eggrolls, pub burger, and the chicken pot pie as highlights. But there will also be new items, including a Navajo chicken pasta, a slow simmered beef pot roast, and pan seared scallops.

Iron Hill said they are not looking to further their expansion at this time, focusing instead on the five locations they've reopened.

Iron Hill did not disclose the exact reason for their closure in Sept. 2025, though they had been struggling in recent years and had already closed several of their establishments, including in Phoenixville nearly a year ago. Increasing competition in the gastropub space, particularly from the rise of microbreweries often partnering with celebrated food trucks, could have played a role.

The chain sported several popular locations that did not reopen, including Newtown, Phoenixville, Ardmore, Media, Exton, North Wales, and West Chester.

Crivello originally bought 10 Iron Hill locations, including West Chester, but leased or sold many of them out. The former Iron Hill in West Chester, for instance, is becoming a MaGerk's Pub.