Former West Ward Club Gets Approval to Become Deli

By Christina Georgiou

Architect Jeff Martinson, right, with property owner
Peter Tomino, present plans to the Easton Zoning
Hearing Board Monday night to convert the former
Weston Club into a delicatessen and neighborhood
convenience store. An application to use the lower
level of the building as a rental party hall was
withdrawn and may be presented at a later date.

The former Weston Club, located at 1317 Lehigh St., got the approval of the city's zoning hearing board 3-2 to become a delicatessen and neighborhood convenience store Monday night, but applicant Peter Tomino will have to reapply to the board to convert the building's lower level into a rental facility for parties seating up to 75 people. Tomino withdrew his request to operate the party room after board members indicated his business plan for the lower level was "underdeveloped."

Architect Jeff Martinson outlined Tomino's plans to turn the upper level into a store that would serve the needs of the surrounding community, selling basic grocery items, made-to-order sandwiches and other to-go foods, beer, tobacco, and other sundries.

Plans for the store space include indoor seating for about 15 people, the addition of small decks in both the front and the rear of the building, and reconfiguring the rear parking lot along Spruce Street to accomodate a total of 22 vehicles instead of the current 20 spaces.

Deliveries would be received in the back of the building, Martinson said.

Plans for the main level of the former Weston Club include
seating for 15 people.
Click on any image for a full size view.

Tomino said the front and rear decks will each include seating for a few people, which he envisions neighborhood patrons can use to enjoy food and beverages purchased in his new establishment in nice weather.

Tomino promised the zoning hearing board that while he does intend to sell six-packs of beer for take-out, no one will be allowed to consume alcohol on the premises, even if and when the board gives approval for the lower level of the building to be rented out for parties, weddings, and events.

Board members expressed unease at granting the request to use the lower level for a party hall, saying Tomino lacked a solid vision for the space and they had concerns about parking, despite Tomino's willingness to attach another 30 or so parking spaces that he owns, located about a block away, to the project.

"I think this needs to be presented in a more concrete plan," said the board's chairman, Michael Civitella.

No parking variance is necessary for the neighborhood convenience store use, noted board solicitor Robert Nitchkey, and both Tomino and Martinson said they expect the majority of customers will be pedestrians from the surrounding neighborhood.

The store will employ a staff of about four people, and if the plan for the party hall is later granted, the store's kitchen facilities will be able to provide catering for the downstairs space as well, Tomino said. No variances are necessary for the kitchen itself, as the  facility already exists, having been part of the former Weston Club.

The part of the application for a variance to use the
basement level of the former Weston Club as a rental
party hall was withdrawn, but
may be submitted again at a later date,  once renovations
to the main level are completed, property owner
Peter Tomino said.

About six neighbors of the former club attended the hearing, and two expressed concern about the plans.

Both said they felt the new use would generate too much noise, create parking problems, and attract unsavory elements to the neighborhood.

"We're trying to create walkable neighborhoods (in Easton)," Martinson said. "This is part of trying to provide something in the neighborhood as a gathering place...instead of Wawa, to buy a cup of coffee in the morning. We should be integrating things like this back into our neighborhoods."

Tomino said he plans to be open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.

He added he hopes to open the new business in about six months, after construction work to convert the property is complete. He will reapply for the variance to use the lower level as a rental hall at some future date, but he said he wasn't sure when that would be.

"Probably not until after I get the store open," he said.

Also Monday night, the zoning hearing board approved a variance for a 29 square foot sign for Two Rivers Brewing Company along South Sixth Street, a special exception to allow the establishment of a tobacco and smoke shop at 700D Philadelphia Road in the city's South Side neighborhood, and a special exception an lot area variance to convert a mixed-use building at 134 South Second St. back to a single family dwelling with the provision that a small kitchenette area on the second floor be removed to prevent the building from possibly being easily converted into a multi-residence rental dwelling in the future.

Proprietors Carolyn Krouse of Easton and Travis McNally of Phillipsburg, NJ, said they expect to be able to open the South Side Smoke Shop in about four months, after interior construction is complete and a certificate of occupancy and other necessary permitting for the shop is obtained from the city.

Easton Band to Premier Music Video

The Easton-based band Hot Bijouxx, who recently released their first full-length CD, will host at music video premier and CD release party in the Gold Room at the Grand Eastonian, 140 Northampton St., this Saturday, June 8 from 8 to 11 p.m.

The video was filmed in the city earlier this year, at Two Rivers Brewing Company, whose historic early-20th century bar matches the retro "hot French accordian aggressive musette post-ironic djingo django hot swing gypsy jazz" stylings of the musical group.

The CD also reflects Hot Bijouxx's eclectic nature, featuring a diverse selection of tunes, which ranges from Lady Gaga to classic blues. The band features vocalist Kristen Jasionowski, Dallas Vietty on accordion, guitarist Ryan McNeely, and drummer Kevin Ripley

Tickets to Saturday's event, $15 at the door, are discounted at $10, through 6 p.m. today. An online early-bird web discount of $12.50 is available for tickets purchased in advance from tonight through the day of the performance.

Hot Bijouxx's new CD may also now be purchased online, both for pickup at the show, or it can be shipped for an additional fee.

Click here for ticket information, or click here to learn more about Hot Bijouxx.

Two Rivers Brewing Unveils New Dining Space

By Christina Georgiou


The newly-constructed bar in one of the second floor dining rooms at
Two Rivers Brewing Company incorporates elements from the old
hotel into its features.

  Two Rivers Brewing Company opened for business to the delight of many several months ago, but completing the renovation of the four-story former Mount Vernon Alehouse is still an ongoing labor of love.

The popular brew pub is one step closer to completion, though, as it will open the second floor to the public this evening, having passed mandatory city inspections on Friday.

The new dining areas will seat about 60 people, plus another 10 on the outside balcony, which affords a good view of the city from atop the hill at Sixth Street.

A second bar has been constructed upstairs too, which incorporates a few relics from the past. Doors from the former hotel rooms that once occupied the dining space form the bar's facing, and paving slate has been reworked to form the bar's surface. The backing of the bar has been designed to match the original restored Sears Roebuck bar that graces the first floor.

Co-owner Troy Reynard said there will be an official grand opening for the second floor space, planned for mid- to late May.

But in the mean time, work will continue on the brewery area, which is scheduled next for completion.

Two Rivers has been serving an array of local and regional craft brews, but when the brewery is complete, the establishment will be serving it's own beers made on the premises, a goal that is expected to be achieved by the end of June.

"It's been a lot of work," Reynard said. "But it's really happening."

Two Rivers Brewing Company to Finally Open--After One Last Hurdle

By Christina Georgiou

Two Rivers Brewing Company is set to open to the public, after holding two preview nights for its Founders Club members and for those that contributed to its Kickstarter campaign over this past weekend, on Friday and Sunday.

The new restaurant and maker of on-site craft brews hopes to be open Tuesday evening, if the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board gives their final approval. Though the venue passed city health inspections and has been granted a certificate of occupancy, the LCB has delayed granting the establishment its liquor license because the second floor outdoor balcony seating, mentioned in its application, is not yet ready for use.

The by-invitation-only preview nights were jam-packed with friends of the pub. Because of the lack of liquor license, invitees enjoyed a night of free beverages.

Seating will be on the ground level of the old hotel until the building renovation is completed sometime next year, when the second floor--including the balcony--will also become restaurant space.

"We're just waiting for the LCB to come through, and then we can make this an every night thing," said co-owner Kathy Reynard at Sunday evening's preview event.


Co-owner Troy Reynard talks with dining
guests at the Sunday evening preview.

There were two seatings on Sunday, and more than 100 people showed up to sample selections from the pub's New Orleans-inspired, locally-sourced  menu.

"That's so good," and "Wow, I like that" was overheard from tables more than once.

For now, the restaurant is serving local craft brews other than its own, including selections from Weyerbacher, Victory, Troegs and Lancaster, along with two beers Two Rivers master brewer Wayne Milford created in collaboration with the Allentown/Bethlehem-based Fegley's Brewworks. 

The fully stocked bar also reflects the brewpub's commitment to handcrafted and quality, featuring a number of liquors not often found on the barscene, such as Root, an organic liquor made from the natural ingredients that make up old-fashioned, traditional root beer.



A rinser cleans and chills
every pint glass before
the beer is served.

Though the new brew pub isn't yet open, it has already established one house tradition--when city fire trucks roll out of Easton's Central Fire Station across the street, shots of cinnamon-infused Fireball whiskey are $2.


When the fire trucks across the street
roll out, so does Fireball whiskey.

Troy Reynard said they were worried the noise of the truck sirens would be disruptive to guests, so they're offering the special to offset the potential issue.

"But it hasn't been so bad," he said, noting that despite the non-issue, they have no plans to do away with the new "tradition."

Live music is already in the works, with the first band, "Last Small Town", a bluegrass band, set to play on Thursday night from 8 to 11 p.m. "Edison's Hot Mess" is booked for Friday evening, Dec. 21 at 9 p.m.



Co-owner Kathy Reynard chats with preview
guests at the bar Sunday evening.

All of that is dependent, of course, on Two Rivers Brewing Company's liquor license mix-up getting straightened out. But principals in the business say they've been assured they should have final approval by Tuesday morning.

"As soon as we get that license in our grubby little hands, we'll throw the doors wide open," said co-owner Troy Reynard.

Two Rivers Brewing Company
co-owner Brad Nelson.

Partners Judy and Brad Nelson said they can't wait for the moment. The Reynards and Nelsons have invested their life-savings in the restoration and establishment of the brew pub.

"It's been 17 months since we bought the building, and now...wow," Brad Nelson said.

Judy Nelson echoed the thought.

"Can you believe it?" she asked, adding she celebrated her 50th birthday on Friday, during the Founders Club preview night, the very first time the pub has invited a full-house of guests. "So it's a milestone in many ways."

A period reproduction lighting fixture
hangs over the bar, complete with
a reproduction turn-of-the-century light bulb.

Call 610-829-1131 to check the status of Two Rivers Brewing Company's public opening, or to make reservations once it does. They're not required, but if the crowd at the preview nights is anything to judge by, they might be a good idea!

 

Two Rivers Brewing Company is also on Facebook. Visit them at www.facebook.com/tworiversbrewing






Update, Tuesday, Dec. 18, 6:45 p.m. and again, Wednesday, Dec. 19, 5:23 p.m.: Two Rivers Brewing Company reports that the new establishment is still awaiting its  liquor license from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board...

Update Thursday, Dec. 19, 2:45 p.m.: Two Rivers Brewing Company will open to the public tonight! Hours are 4 p.m. to midnight, seven days a week, with lunch/brunch hours to be added on weekends shortly.

Two Rivers Brewing Company Close to Opening

By Christina Georgiou


Cleaning the newly grouted
bathroom tiles.



Kathy Reynard, along with Judy and
Brad Nelson prep for painting.



After successfully meeting its Kickstarter campaign goal and bringing in a total of $21,764 from 144 backers to pay for a new tap system for the bar at the end of last month, Two Rivers Brewing Company is edging ever closer to opening day.

Co-owners Troy Reynard, Kathy Reynard, Judy Nelson and Brad Nelson were joined Sunday at their soon-to-open restaurant and brew pub in the former Mount Vernon Alehouse on the corner of Northampton and Sixth streets with other staff members and about 10 volunteers for an intensive day of painting and other construction-related finishing tasks.

.

While an actual opening date hasn't been firmed up, Troy Reynard said Sunday that the City of Easton has granted all the permits the new pub needs to open on the first floor, and that all that remains is for some small details on that level to be completed and for the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board to give its final approval on the establishment's liquor license. 

He estimated it will be another couple of weeks, but said it will definitely be before Christmas.

Work on the second floor dining rooms is proceding well, with drywall installed. It's next on the list for completion, but that will come after the brew pub open, Troy Reynard said.

The kitchen is nearly ready to go, with only some lighting and drop ceiling tiles left to be installed.

"We're nearly there," said Judy Nelson. "I can't believe it. It's been a long road. I can't wait."

Two Rivers Brewing Company Kickstarter Campaign Edges Towards Goal

By Christina Georgiou

With 8 days to go, the Two Rivers Brewing Company Kickstarter campaign to pay for a new tap system for the historic pub is at nearly $12,000.

The total cost to replace the antiquated system in the former Mount Vernon Alehouse is $20,000, a number that needs to be reached if the new tap system is to be funded.

So far, 76 backers have pledged to the campaign, which requires a minimum pledge of $1, though the vast majority have promised more than that. Six people have pledged $1,000 or more, which entitles them to a custom tasting dinner for them and their friends with the chef and brewer, plus a variety of Two Rivers Brewing swag and a public acknowledgement of their contribution.

Co-owner Troy Reynard, who also owns the Cosmic Cup coffee house on College Hill, said the campaign was started not only to raise money after the building renovation project hit a number of unexpected construction costs, but also to expand on the number of people involved.

The Two Rivers Brewing Company Founders Club, funds from which are being used to purchase the on-site brewing equipment, offers donors $1,250 worth of beer over three years for a $1,000 investment.

But that's pricey for many, Reynard noted, so the Kickstarter campaign for the tap system offers various pledge levels, along with various amounts of thank you  swag and gifts, so more people are able to participate.

"It's not only people we know, but people we don't know who really believe in what we're doing.  Also, I've had old friends and former employees who've pledged, and it's gratifying to renew those connections," Reynard said. "It goes to one of the main reasons I wanted to do a Kickstarter campaign.  In addition to raising the extra funds we need, it also gets more people involved with our project, and creates a community dedicated to the renovation of this historic building."

The new system will run from tanks in the brewing area on the second and third floors in the back of the building to ten taps in the bar area on the ground floor in the front. The modern lines will also keep the beer, brewed on the premises, chilled to optimum temperature during it's journey.

Some of the signature beers have already been developed by by brewmaster Wayne Milford, a former head brewer for Dogfish Head in Delaware, known for its award-winning beers.


A pint of Two Rivers Brewing Company's
latest creation, an Oktoberfest beer.
(Contributed photo)

 Two Rivers offerings are locally-inspired craft brews, with names like "Pine St. Blonde," "Getter's Island PA" and "Bankers Brown Ale" and have been well-received during preview tasting events in the past few months.

The new brewery also plans to go back to Easton's brewing roots as they get established, Reynard said. To that effect, the company has also been collecting memoribilia and artifacts from former Easton beer companies, including the recipes for beers of old like the former Seitz Brewery which was located at Bushkill and Front streets, which they plan to recreate in limited quantities from time to time.


The eastern wall of the former Mount
Vernon Alehouse was reinforced late
this summer to support an elevator
and the weight of the brewing
equipment on the second
and third floors.



 While getting the former Mount Vernon Alehouse ready to house Two Rivers Brewing Company has been a months-long project that has included some delays from the originally scheduled August grand opening, and has also been more expensive than anticipated, Reynard says all the work is worth the effort to restore an Easton landmark that has been vacant for nearly a decade.

"The process has been very gratifying," Reynard said.

With most of the building work now complete, and a new tap system possibly on the way, Two Rivers is looking to open its doors to the public by mid-November.

To donate to the Two Rivers Brewing Company Kickstarter campaign, click here.

To check on the progress of the new brew pub or to learn more about joining the Two Rivers Brewing Company Founders' Club, visit www.facebook.com/tworiversbrewing

Two Rivers Brewing Hopeful for October Opening

By Christina Georgiou



The former Mount Vernon Alehouse, as seen in late July.
Work on the east wall, seen left, has since been completed.



Two Rivers Brewing hopes to be open to the public for business some time in October, after construction and code approval delays cancelled plans for a grand opening this past August.

Necessary improvements to the stability of the eastern wall of the building that housed the former Mount Vernon Alehouse are complete, paving the way for the elevator installation, which is in progress.



Work to install the
elevator has begun.

"They're building the elevator now, and we get gas and electrical hook-ups next week," said co-owner Troy Reynard via email. "All three held us up."
Several local construction contractors are working daily to complete various other aspects of the new restaurant and craft brewery too. A peek inside the space late last week revealed there is still obviously much work to be done, but the project is steadily progressing.

While there's obviously still a way
to go, work is progressing steadily
on the second floor dining areas.



No new date has been set yet for a grand opening celebration, but it is definitely in the works.

"We are probably at the beginning of October," Reynard said optimistically.



Most of the work in the bar area of Two Rivers Brewing
Company is complete, though draped to protect the area
from being damaged during continued
construction in other areas of the antique building,
formerly the Mount Vernon Alehouse.



Two Rivers Brewing Company to Open Aug. 11

Two Rivers Brewing Company, which will occupy the former Mount Vernon Alehouse at the five-point intersection of Sixth, Walnut and Northampton streets, will officially open its restaurant on Saturday, August 11, co-owner Troy Reynard said last week.

While unloading lighting fixtures from his car on Tuesday, Reynard said remodeling is going well, and while the project has been a lot of work, no unexpected problems have cropped up during the continuing construction work on the 150-year-old building.

Work in the bar area is nearly complete.

Local band Go Trio will play at 9 p.m. on the 11th, and the new establishment expects to hold a couple of "friends and family" nights prior to the official opening to make sure everything goes smoothly, Reynard also said.

Two Rivers will initially serve local craft brews while it gets its own beer production up and running, expected to happen about two months after the restaurant is up and running.

The eastern wall of Two Rivers Brewing
Company is currently being repointed.

The establishment is still seeking to fill a few positions, Reynard said. Those that are interested in working for Two Rivers may contact him through his other Easton business, The Cosmic Cup, located at 520 March St. on College Hill. The coffee house may also be reached at 610-438-3211.

Updates about Two Rivers' progress, as well as announcements about tasting events, may be found on the establishment's Facebook page.