Over the past year, Todd and Tammi Hennard, and their partners, Rita and Tim Dincher, have renovated the Bradford Brew Station building at 104 Chestnut St. in preparation for its opening in late January or early February.
The owners of the business recently announced the facility is currently brewing craft beer that will be served in the restaurant which will have a trendy menu comprising sandwiches and appetizers.
Todd Hennard said the building, which had been used as a garage and sat vacant or underutilized in the past, is nearing completion.
“We have a few punch list items to finish up,” Todd Hennard said of the business. “We have been working on the building for this whole year.”
He and the other business owners also hope to have an outdoor patio open for the summer season.
Lisa Keck of the Office of Economic and Community Development had previously stated that renovation and restoration of the 10,000-square-foot brick structure had been funded through a Keystone Communities Development Grant award.
Todd Hennard said he and the other owners began production on their first craft beers this week under the guidance and training of a brewmaster from Nebraska in cooperation with the manufacturers of the equipment.
“The first batch was brewed Wednesday … we brewed Yellow Dog Honey Ale which is a honey wheat ale,” he explained. In addition, the business brewed Black Gold Boch beer Thursday, “which is a really tasty dark beer option.
“We, of course, are brewing some IPAs” as well, he added. “The next one we will brew is the Roustabout’s Racking IPA.
“We have 14 taps, so we will open with 12 to 14 and see what the best sellers are,” he continued. “Of course some of those will be seasonal.”
Todd Hennard said the beers mentioned are currently in fermenters, and when done with this process will be carbonated and transferred to kegs. The brewery also expects to sell wines and spirits that are manufactured in Pennsylvania.
“We do have the ability to distribute our beer to other restaurants and taverns in town, but we have not been approached yet,” Todd Hennard remarked. “We may be able to do that on a limited basis, and have enough to keep up with our own needs.”
He noted the brewery hasn’t hired any staff yet.
The restaurant, which will have seating for about 85 people, expects to attract both locals and from the nearby hotels and other resources in town.
“But we do believe there is a following that will travel to micro breweries,” he surmised. “With the pet-friendly patio we will have open, this will be a pleasant amenity for our locals.”
Also adding to the convenience of the business will be a parking lot with space for 25 vehicles that can be accessed from nearby Congress Place. A city parking lot across from the Old Post Office will also be available and is just a block away, he added.
Todd Hennard said the brewery and restaurant are something he and the other owners have had in mind a few years.
“And yes, we have enjoyed home brewing as a hobby,” he commented.
The business, when in operation, will be open from 3 to 10 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, and from noon to 10 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
“Our high tech brewing equipment can be viewed from our oil themed dining room,” he concluded. “We will also have tours and tastings available.”
