Iron Hill Opening Draws In Customers

The owners of Iron Hill Brewery were gathered among their staff, neighbors and two council members for the official opening Wednesday.

With 110 employees, the restauranteers were thanked for bringing an investment to the neighborhood and the city.

"It's great to open for the first time in Philadelphia. There has been a rennaissance for restaurants in Chestnut Hill. I think we are the fifth one to open this year, and we are happy to be a part of it," said Kevin Finn, founder of Iron Hill.

Councilman Bill Green and Councilwoman was present for the ceremonial first pour.

"I am especially excited because I live three blocks away," Green said.

Before the first beer was poured, the large staff of the restaurant gathered for photos, as neighbors mingled and discussed the restaurant's decor.

A hostess said that Iron Hill was accepting walk-ins, but the restaurant had accumulated a fair number of online reservations as well. At 5 p.m., when the restaurant opened its doors to the public, customers immediately began coming in. By 5:30, the restaurant was half-full, with more people heading in.

Bass, who said that participating in the opening was her first official act as councilwoman, called it a great moment.

"They could have really located anywhere. They have nine locations and they could have gone anywhere and they came here, to Philadelphia, to Chestnut Hill and I think this is going to be the start of many great things," Bass said.

The Chestnut Hill location, at 8400 Germantown Ave., is the first Iron Hill location in Philadelphia.