A Final Stop and a New Beginning: Saying Goodbye to Eight & Sand Beer Co.

It’s a bittersweet moment for the South Jersey craft beer scene. Eight & Sand Beer Co. has officially announced that they will be closing their doors for the last time on Sunday, June 28th. After ten years of serving the Woodbury community, the owners are passing the torch to a new local venture.

For those of us at Pint Perspective, this news hits close to home. Eight & Sand was one of the very first breweries that truly ignited our passion for craft beer, and seeing this chapter close feels like saying goodbye to an old friend.

A Legacy of “Quick and Safe Travels”

Since opening about a decade ago, Eight & Sand has been a cornerstone of the Woodbury community. Founded by three friends from South Jersey, the brewery was built on a deep respect for local history and sustainable practices. Their name — Eight and Sand — was a nod to the golden age of trains, wishing crews a quick and safe journey: Notch-8 for full speed, sand for traction on the tracks.

The brewery wasn’t just known for its train-themed atmosphere and 40-foot bar — it was also a pioneer in eco-friendly brewing. They operated a 26-kW solar panel array that eliminated over 700 tons of carbon dioxide and recycled spent grain by sending it to local farmers. Over the years, Eight & Sand became a true community hub where strangers became regulars, and regulars became family.

One Last Month of Memories

The Eight & Sand team isn’t going out quietly. They’ve packed June with guest beertenders, farewell events, and throwback offerings to give everyone a chance to raise one last glass.

Welcoming Freckled Jawn Brewing

While we’re sad to see Eight & Sand go, the building at 1003 N. Evergreen Ave will remain a brewery under new ownership. Woodbury residents John and Colleen have reached an agreement to purchase the property and will be launching Freckled Jawn Brewing later this year.

The new owners are bringing a personal touch to the space:

•The Name: “Freckled Jawn” was originally the name of John and Colleen’s home bar — inspired by John’s nickname for Colleen and their two freckled dogs.
•A Fresh Look: While the industrial bones of the building will remain, Colleen plans to introduce European Industrial-inspired elements, including reclaimed wood, leather accents, and warm lighting.
•Expanded Outdoor Space: The couple has acquired the small lot behind the building, which they plan to transform into an expanded outdoor seating area with dedicated parking for rotating food trucks.
•A New Palette: Freckled Jawn plans to introduce entirely new beers focused on fresh, natural ingredients and locally sourced components from South Jersey farms whenever possible.

The Road Ahead

The transition is expected to take place later this year. Once the property transfer is finalized, the brewery will likely close for several weeks to allow for renovations and new licensing. John and Colleen are also actively searching for a head brewer to lead their creative efforts in the brewhouse.

We encourage everyone to stop by Eight & Sand a few more times before June 28th to celebrate their incredible decade-long run. We’ll miss the train whistles and the Cocoa Brass Pounder, but we’re excited to see the fresh energy, passion, and heart that Freckled Jawn will bring to Woodbury.

Cheers to the memories, Eight & Sand — it’s been one hell of a ride.