CLARION, Pa. (EYT) – Plans are now being made for a microbrewery restaurant to open in downtown Clarion within nine months to a year. A group of six entrepreneurs formed the Clarion River Brewing Company to launch the new business.
(Photo: Three of the entrepreneurs behind the Clarion River Brewing Company include Director of Public Relations Andrea Estadt, Executive Chef Scott Jordan, and General Manager Alex McConnell. The other three entrepreneurs are Brew Master Doug Caldwell, Director of Marketing Sean McCall, and Financial Advisor Bryan Smith.)
“We’re passionate about providing a top-notch dining experience for all ages. We will pair affordable high-quality food with tasty handcrafted beer,” said Director of Public Relations Andrea Estadt.
“We have a deep appreciation for the rich and colorful history of Clarion County. Each beer served has a story behind it. On our new website you can explore the history behind each name.”
The microbrewery will be located at 604 Main Street, home for the last 15 years of The Bathtub, The Kitchen Sink, and Petey Dink’s. Owner Andrea Estadt decided to close the three stores, all located in one building, after increasing competition from big box stores and online retailing that offered the same products at a lower price. Estadt is also the owner of the adjoining building that houses Sixth and Main Market. She will continue to maintain the deli and restaurant operations.
“Some aspects of Sixth and Main worked out and others didn’t,” said Estadt. “The deli will remain open and be an important part of the new Clarion River Brewing Company when it opens. We’re going to bring something new to Clarion with handcrafted microbrews paired with hometown cuisine.”
The Bathtub store will close in October and extensive remodeling and installation of brewing equipment will start. Plans call for the Microbrewery to also include a small stage for entertainment. The building will also house the 21 and over crowd, while more than half of the current market will include tables and booths in a more family-friendly setting.
Over the course of the next 9 to 12 months, a brewhouse consisting of a 7-barrel system with fermenters including a 15 barrel will be constructed. Aesthetic renovations will occur on both sides of the building with hopes of family dining opening on the 6th & Main Market side by Christmas of this year.
“The 6th & Main Market deli is still open for business and will continue to carry select product lines from the bathtub with a few new additions in the retail section of the market,” said Estadt.
“We’re proud to be the first microbrewery in Clarion, and we look forward to serving fresh, quality beer and homemade food in a relaxed atmosphere that everyone can enjoy. We have a deep commitment to honoring the history of this county and serving the people in it. We draw inspiration for our beer from the world around us and the days gone by. The names of the beer commemorate stories from the past and celebrate the people, accomplishments, and significant events.”
More information is available at ClarionRiverBrew.com, Facebook.com/ClarionRiverBrew, and Twitter.com/ClarionRiverBrw.
Food Styles
Food styles will include: American (New), Asian Fusion, Barbeque, British, Burgers, Delis, French, German, Hot Dogs, Irish, Sandwiches, Seafood, Southern, Tapas Bars, Tex-Mex, Thai, Vegan, Vegetarian, and Vietnamese
Flagship Beers
“We draw inspiration from our world around us and the days gone by,” says the website. “The names of the beer commemorate stories from the past and celebrate the people, accomplishments, and significant events. Be sure to check out the history page and each individual beer.”
LEATHERWOOD – “A wild and free brown ale with some serious attitude.”
A Brown Ale beer made for people with a sweet tooth. Truly a symphony of flavors in your mouth, this brew is sweet like candy with an alcohol kick, with caramel notes carrying you to a mild burnt bitter finish from the signature roasted barley. For almost a century, Clarion County has been known as the home of the Anti-Horse Thief Association. Although there is no record of a horse’s being stolen for several decades, the Association holds an annual dinner each year, alternating between Leatherwood and Oak Grove Presbyterian churches. It still costs $1.00 to become a life member, and such memberships were held by Dwight D. Eisenhower and Arthur Godfrey.
IRON FURNACE – “An off the beaten path APA with a unique blend of ingredients for a one of a kind taste.”
American Pale Ale that’s small on hop bitterness and big on Bold Citrus Flavor thanks to large amounts of American hops used at the end of the brewing process. Clarion County’s abundant mineral riches were apparent very early, and between 1845 and 1854, one-half of the iron produced in Pennsylvania was manufactured in Clarion County, deservedly winning the nickname “Iron County.”
1841 – “This Classic Cream Ale is takes you back to a simpler time.”
American Cream Ale brewed with American mats and hops. A well-balanced brew complimented by a creamy mouth feel from a generous helping of flaked barley and oats. Named after the village of Clarion that was founded in 1839 and officially incorporated into a borough in 1841. Clarion serves as the County Seat of Clarion County.
CLARION RIVER – “An Imperial Stout as strong as its’ namesake river.”
Imperial Russian Stout so thick you can cut it with a knife. It sticks to the glass as well as your stomach. Its high alcohol content will keep you warm and cozy throughout the cold winter months in Clarion County. This flagship beer is brewed each season a little differently. Named after the sound of ripples on the water made mellow by the wall of timber on both sides of the river, said to sound like “a distant Clarion.”
SEASONAL BEERS
VOYCHEK & STUPKA – “This genius combination of Russian Imperial Stout and a Czech Pilsner will have your taste buds patting you on the back.”
An immigrant coal miner, Vincent Voychek, stabbed his landlord, Andrew Stupka, to death. He was later hung, the only person ever to be executed in Clarion County. The Executioner, Zoe Rimes, was one of the few women in history to serve as a hang woman. In addition, invitations were distributed to affluent individuals to witness his hanging.
AUTUMN LEAF FIEST – “This rambunctious FIEST is perfect for those cool fall nights.”
This nine-day internationally award-winning festival attracts over 500,000 people to the Clarion area and was founded by five businessmen who sought to bring tourism to the area. Today, ALF (Autumn Leaf Festival) includes such activities as: Swank’s Steel City Shows (carnival rides/amusements), Riverhill Battery Warehouse Power Wheels Derby, Cultural Nights, Clarion University’s Homecoming weekend and football game (Gannon), a 10K, and concerts.
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