USA, PA: Benny’s Brewing Co. expanding after five successful years in business

After five successful years in business, Benny’s Brewing Co. of Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, is planning an expansion for the first quarter of 2016, Times Leader reported on January 2.

Owner Ben Schonfeld plans to have a 6,000-square-foot open view brewery and restaurant at 1429 Sans Souci Parkway.

“It’s going to be an experience,” Schonfeld said. “I don’t want people to come in, eat and leave. I want them to experience.”

In 2010, the Schonfelds expanded Marty’s Blue Room to make way for the brewery. Within the year, other venues, such as Dugan’s Pub in Luzerne and Lucky’s Sporthouse in Wilkes-Barre Township, had Benny’s on tap.

Schonfeld stressed the Sheatown staple, Marty’s Blue Room, isn’t going anywhere. “I wanted to go on my own,” he said.

The brewing equipment at Marty’s will be taken to the new facility, but “they (Marty’s Blue Room) will still have Benny’s on tap.”

Currently, Schonfeld’s flagship beers, consisting of Amber Lager, Pale Ale, Hopenstein and Wit, won’t change with the expansion and the rotating seasonal flavors will also stay. Benny’s Brewing Co. will add “one and done” batches in smaller barrels, with customers having input on the one and done brews.

The expansion of Benny’s will allow Schonfeld to keep up with local demand as well as expand the distribution of the beers.

“We’ll have a 20-county radius in Pennsylvania into Philly,” Schonfeld said.

06 January, 2016