E-Malt.com News article: USA, PA: New brewpub almost ready for opening in Elizabethtown

Craft beer lovers in Elizabethtown will soon have another reason to raise a pint: a new taproom is set to open downtown in the former Elizabethtown Hotel building at 28 S. Market St., Lancaster Online reported on October 21.

Funk Brewing Elizabethtown will be next door to the Pita Pit, which occupies one side of a building that had long been vacant.

With renovations going on now in the rented space, plans call for opening the brewpub in early November, in time for Elizabethtown's Second Friday event, said proprietor Jon "Norm" Norman.

Norman and his brother-in-law Kyle Funk are partners in the Funk Brewing Co. of Emmaus, which began brewing and selling craft beer in 2014. The Lehigh Valley business wholesales 150 to 200 kegs a month, with beer sold in the Lancaster and Harrisburg areas.

Norman, an Elizabethtown resident, said he saw a business opportunity in his own town that would work well with his day job at a car rental company.

"The main street in E-town is so cool and there's so many people who want to support it," said Norman. "I think businesses just need to get in here and … get the people down here."

And with brewing businesses already in town, including Moo-Duck Brewery and Cox Brewing Co. of Rheems, plus craft beers being served at such establishments as Lucky Ducks and Black Gryphon, Norman said he believes Elizabethtown could attract craft beer lovers from Lancaster, York and Harrisburg.

Funk Brewing will have eight beers on tap: four "core" beers and four rotating ones, including seasonal selections like Falliage, a spiced saison. Pints will be priced from $4 to $7. Patrons can fill growlers, and a six-pack of the citrus IPA will be available for takeout.

The establishment, to be managed by Ryan Mock, will have seating for approximately 60. A small stage will allow for live music. One entrance will be handicapped-accessible.

Food also will be served, including appetizers, panini sandwiches and salads made with fresh, local ingredients. Some well-known local food items may also appear. "Gene Wenger ham loaf will find its way into our menu," said Norman.


23 October, 2015