Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant announced Thursday the permanent closure of all locations, bringing an end to a 29-year run and leaving its employees facing an uncertain future. The brewpub is now filing for bankruptcy after facing numerous financial difficulties. 

The announcement was made public on the company’s social media, just two weeks after the closing of three Iron Hill locations: Newark, DE, Chestnut Hill, PA, and Voorhees, NJ.

“It has been our pleasure to serve you, and we are deeply grateful for your support, friendship, and loyalty over the years,” the Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant Team said in a notice, posted on the company’s social media pages, websites, and storefronts. 

For South Jersey residents, this sudden closure marks not just the loss of a business but a community space. With a nearby location in Maple Shade and, previously, one in Voorhees before its earlier closing, the brewery served as a gathering place for families and a favorite brewpub for craft beers and foods. Its unexpected closure signifies the closing of a chapter for many loyal patrons after nearly 30 years of brewing and dining. 

Looking back, Iron Hill stemmed from the dream of two men with a passion for brewing in Newark, DE—Kevin Finn and Mark Edelson—in 1990. Six years later, with the help of Kevin Davies, a restaurant professional, the first Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant opened its doors, marking the beginning of their restaurant chain that would soon spread across the East Coast. Iron Hill’s 29 years of business have allowed it to make great strides in the brewing industry, amassing a total of 88 awards from both the Great American Beer Festival and the World Beer Cup, which would crown it as the most decorated brewery east of the Mississippi River.

Looking forward, Iron Hill’s sudden closure has brought an atmosphere of uncertainty and unease, especially for its displaced staff. The announcement was abrupt—without warning to even its own employees, leaving thousands in disbelief without jobs. As the scramble for a replacement ensues, several local restaurants and breweries in the region, including New Jersey, have begun posting job openings and messages in support. 

Iron Hill still holds hope of reopening. Yet, after leaving behind a legacy of quality brewing, what lies ahead for both the company and its employees remains obscure.