PENNSYLVANIA - Central Pennsylvania beer lovers can officially celebrate. Following a brief absence that left a notable gap on West Chocolate Avenue, Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant is making its highly anticipated return to Hershey on Monday, June 1, 2026.
The Hershey debut marks the third successful comeback for the beloved regional staple, following packed reopenings in Center City Philadelphia on April 19 and the Wilmington Riverfront on Mother's Day. Under the guidance of founder Mark Edelson and a dedicated veteran leadership team, the taproom doors are swinging back open with an explicit focus on fresh, scratch-made food, award-winning on-site brewing, and deep roots in the local neighborhood.
What's on the Menu: Fresh Pours and Iconic Bites
When the taps start flowing on June 1, guests will find a mix of familiar favorites and brand-new surprises. To commemorate the homecoming, Director of Brewery Operations Matt Gundrum and his team are debuting a brand-new, exclusive beer crafted specifically for the region: Kiss of Hops, an East Coast juicy IPA available only at the Hershey location.
On the food side, Regional Chef Walter Weddington III is bringing back the restaurant's signature scratch-made kitchen operations. Regulars will find the brand's legendary cheesesteak egg rolls back on the menu alongside an elevated lineup of New American fare.
Beyond reviving the local dining scene, the reopening represents a major economic boost for Dauphin County. General Manager Matt Roegner announced that the West Chocolate Avenue location will create 90 local jobs, with a management philosophy centered on a people-first work culture and genuine hospitality.
A Mission Rooted in Community Support
Iron Hill's return is about more than just food and craft beer—it is also a major win for local community support systems. Continuing a tradition established during their recent Philly and Delaware reopenings, the brewery has announced a dedicated partnership with Cocoa Packs, a non-profit based in Hershey that combats child food insecurity in Central Pennsylvania.
Before the doors officially open to the general public, Iron Hill will host a special private preview dinner, with proceeds directly benefiting the charity. Cocoa Packs currently provides weekly food assistance—including fresh produce, milk, eggs, and mental/physical wellness resources—to more than 1,400 enrolled children year-round.
"With our enrollment being way over capacity and the rise in food costs, the generous donations from Iron Hill are a heaven-sent blessing," noted Tracy Gunder, Cocoa Packs Fundraising Director.
Looking Ahead: The Regional Rollout
The revival of the Hershey location is the middle milestone of a targeted five-store regional rollout by the brand's new ownership group, IHB (backed by Rightlane LLC). By pairing the founder Mark Edelson's original cultural vision with localized community partnerships, the brand is successfully reclaiming its spot as a premier Mid-Atlantic gathering space.
Following the launch on West Chocolate Avenue, the leadership team will shift its focus to the final two confirmed regional reopenings on the radar: Lancaster, PA, and Huntingdon Valley, PA.
