For nearly 30 years, a beloved brewery and restaurant chain, twice recognized as the “Best Brewpub” by the World Beer Cup, has been a staple for craft beer lovers and casual diners since 1996, building a loyal following across multiple states. 

But like many in the restaurant industry, it now faces pressures of an uncertain economy and increased competition, leading the chain to make a difficult decision that surprised many longtime customers.  

Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant announced the abrupt closure of three locations in three states, leaving only 16 restaurants nationwide.

Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant locations closing

• Newark Location: 147 E Main Street, Newark, DE 19711
• Chestnut Hill Location: 8400 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19118
• Voorhees Location: 13107 Town Center Blvd., Voorhees, NJ 08043

In the announcement, Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant said this move is part of a broader strategy to adapt to shifting market conditions by focusing on its remaining restaurants and strengthening the business. 

“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,” said Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant CEO Mark Kirke in the announcement.

Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant announces three restaurant closures.

Image source: Shutterstock

Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant provides customers with alternative locations 

While customers in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey are losing their local Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurants, the chain has suggested nearby alternate locations where guests can continue to enjoy its food and craft beer.

Nearby locations

Newark customers:

• North Wales: 1460 Bethlehem Pike, North Wales, PA 19454
• Center City: 1150 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107 
• Huntingdon Valley: 785 Huntingdon Pike, Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006

Chestnut Hill customers: 

• Wilmington: 620 Justison St., Wilmington, DE 19801 
• West Chester: 3 West Gay St., West Chester, PA 19380

Voorhees customers: 

• Maple Shade: 124 East Kings Hwy (Route 41), Maple Shade, NJ 08052

Restaurants face industry pressures 

These closures are yet another outcome of the difficulties affecting the restaurant industry. 

Rising food, labor, and rent costs, paired with more cautious consumer spending, have created an unsustainable environment for many businesses. Customer traffic continues to decline, putting even more pressure on restaurants nationwide.

Even well-established chains have not been immune to this troubling trend. Several have undergone mass closures in recent years, while others have turned to filing for bankruptcy to manage mounting debt. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, around 17% of new restaurants close within their first year.

However, long-term restaurant survival rates are even tougher, with around 50% closing within five years and only 34.6% of restaurants surviving past the 10-year mark, according to Oysterlink.

Related: Iconic New York City restaurant closing forever after 52 years