PHILADELPHIA – After a highly anticipated hiatus, the taps are flowing once again on Market Street. Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, a cornerstone of the Philadelphia-area dining scene for three decades, is officially making its "homecoming" to Center City.
The doors will swing open at noon on Sunday, April 19, marking more than just a reopening—it is the revival of an iconic brewpub institution led by a team of veteran "people-first" leaders and founders.
A Leadership Homecoming
The return to Center City is spearheaded by a team that represents the heart and soul of the brand. Leading the charge is founder Mark Edelson, alongside a powerhouse group of Iron Hill veterans, including Operations Director Alexis Lundeen, Regional Chef Walter Weddington III, Award-Winning Brewer Matt Gundrum, and General Manager Eric Maney.
Backing this "dream team" is a new ownership group comprised of longtime fans of the brand, ensuring that while the chapter is new, the spirit of scratch-made food and award-winning beer remains unchanged.
Tapping into "Unfinished Business"
To commemorate the relaunch, Iron Hill is debuting an aptly named new brew: "Unfinished Business." The beer will make its first appearance during private preview dinners on Friday and Saturday. These events aren't just about celebration; they serve a greater purpose. The proceeds and focus of the opening weekend are dedicated to a new, vital community partner: Sharing Excess.
Brewing Change: The Fight Against Food Waste
A deepened commitment to the Philadelphia community defines Iron Hill’s return. By partnering with Sharing Excess—a Philadelphia-born nonprofit food rescue organization—the brewery is tackling food waste head-on.
Founded in 2018 by Drexel student Evan Ehlers, Sharing Excess has grown from a small act of kindness (donating leftover meal swipes) into a national movement. Today, the organization rescues over 2 million pounds of food per week across 36 states, redirecting surplus from wholesalers and restaurants to families in need.
Through this collaboration, surplus food from Iron Hill's kitchen operations will be rescued and redirected to local hunger relief partners.
"Iron Hill is a Philadelphia staple, and we are so excited to be a key part of their relaunch," said Ehlers. "The fact that their first move is to invest in this community says everything about who they are."
Looking Ahead
The Center City reopening is just the first domino to fall in a massive spring resurgence for the brand. Over the coming weeks, Iron Hill plans to reopen several more locations, including:
- Pennsylvania: Hershey, Huntingdon Valley, and Lancaster
- Delaware: Wilmington
For 30 years, Iron Hill has been the backdrop for first dates, anniversaries, and neighborhood nights out. As they reclaim their place on Market Street, they aren't just serving beer and burgers—they are serving the city that built them.
Plan Your Visit:
- What: Iron Hill Center City Reopening
- When: Sunday, April 19 at 12:00 PM
- Where: Market Street, Center City Philadelphia
- More Info: www.ironhillbrewery.us
