Iron Hill Brewery Shutters Three Delaware Valley Locations, Including Flagship Newark Brewpub

The Delaware Valley beer scene took a major hit this week as Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant announced the immediate closure of three of its locations: Chestnut Hill (Philadelphia), Voorhees Town Center (Camden County, NJ), and its original brewpub on East Main Street in Newark, Delaware.

For longtime fans, the Newark closure especially stings—this was Iron Hill’s flagship location, first opened in 1996, and the launchpad for what would grow into one of the region’s most recognized brewpub chains.

In a statement released Wednesday, Iron Hill executives framed the decision as a necessary response to a “changing business landscape.”

The company emphasized that the choice “was not made lightly,” and expressed gratitude to the communities that supported each location for decades.

“Guests are encouraged to visit nearby Iron Hill locations, where they can continue to expect the same great food, fresh craft beer, and friendly service that have defined the Iron Hill experience for nearly three decades,” the statement read.

A Difficult Goodbye—With No Warning

While Iron Hill’s official messaging focused on brand evolution and long-term growth, the reality on the ground was harsher. Employees at the shuttered locations report that they were given no notice ahead of the closures. Staff arrived to find out their brewpubs were closing immediately, leaving many blindsided and scrambling to adjust.

For workers who helped carry the brand through its early growth and pandemic struggles, the abruptness has added an extra layer of bitterness to the closures. Customers, too, expressed frustration on social media, lamenting both the sudden loss of a community hub and the lack of opportunity to raise a final pint.

Iron Hill’s Next Chapter

Despite the closures, Iron Hill still operates 13 locations across the Philadelphia region, including Center City Philadelphia, Maple Shade (NJ), and Wilmington (DE). The company has also expanded beyond its Mid-Atlantic roots with two locations in South Carolina and one in Georgia.

Iron Hill CEO Mark Kirke framed the changes as part of a larger strategy:

“While we are closing a few locations, this is truly part of a larger growth story—we are evolving, strengthening our brand, and positioning Iron Hill for long-term success.”

Whether customers—and especially former employees—will buy into that vision remains to be seen. For now, Delaware Valley beer drinkers are left grappling with the sudden disappearance of three familiar gathering spots, including the one where it all began.