Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant has signed a letter of intent to open a new location next to the Liacouras Center on Temple University’s campus. The project was approved during the Finance and Investment Committee meeting of the university’s Board of Trustees on Wednesday, Dec. 18. 

“Over the last 28 years, Iron Hill Brewery has established a reputation as one of the premier eateries and breweries across the region. It is a brand that is synonymous with high quality, making this a tremendous addition to both Temple’s campus and North Philadelphia,” said Temple University President John Fry. “It is exciting to see a well-established, reputable organization like Iron Hill make such a strong investment in this community, and we are glad to have them as a partner. I suspect it won’t be long until Iron Hill becomes a go-to spot before and after games and events at the Liacouras Center.” 

The new Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant will reside at 1700 N. Broad St., the location that was formerly home to one of the university’s bookstores. The bookstores have been consolidated into the existing Howard Gittis Student Center store until a new bookstore opens as part of the newly renovated Paley Hall later this fall. 

“This is an exciting opportunity for us to partner with a leading Philadelphia institution like Temple and introduce our award-winning beer and food to new audiences,” said Mark Edelson, founder and VP of beer at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant. “We are looking forward to becoming a favorite spot for residents, students, faculty and fans to share a meal and enjoy our beer.” 

The addition of Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant at the intersection of Broad Street and Cecil B. Moore Avenue would be just the latest move for an area that has seen a recent rise in commercial real estate developments. Last spring, Bagels & Co. opened in the vicinity, and last month, Rally House opened a new location right next to campus. This winter, the Peabody, a new casual upscale dining restaurant, is also expected to open its doors in the location that was formerly home to the Draught Horse. 

For North Broad Renaissance, the nonprofit civic organization focused on revitalizing the community and economic growth along the North Broad Street corridor, the addition of an organization like Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant is especially significant.  

“We’re thrilled to welcome Iron Hill Brewery to North Broad, as it embodies the vibrant spirit of our community and the exciting transformation of the North Broad Arts and Culture District,” said Shalimar Thomas, executive director of North Broad Renaissance. “This addition not only enhances our mission to support North Broad Street’s vitalization by improving its economic vitality and overall quality of life for residents, students and visitors, but also strengthens our efforts to make North Broad a premier destination for dining, entertainment and cultural experiences. Iron Hill’s commitment to quality and community aligns perfectly with the North Broad Renaissance’s vision to transform the corridor from an auto-oriented drive-through corridor to a pedestrian-friendly, successful, vibrant, highly desirable, diverse, mixed-use community.” 

Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant currently operates 19 locations across the states of Pennsylvania, Delaware, Georgia, New Jersey and South Carolina. The North Broad Street location would be the brewery’s 12th location in Pennsylvania and third in Philadelphia. 

All the beer served at the restaurants is brewed just feet away, as every location includes its own brewhouse. Similarly, all the food served at Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant is made from scratch. 

“The opening of Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant will be the latest addition to an area of both campus and North Philadelphia that is already undergoing a transformation,” Temple Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Ken Kaiser said. “We have needed a place where the Temple and North Philadelphia communities as well as visitors and alumni can meet and congregate, and we will soon have two excellent options for that with both Iron Hill and The Peabody set to open on campus.”