A ‘crazy’ vision is starting to come to life at Axemann Brewery. Here’s what’s next
Moving a brewing operation from a barn milk house to a former metal factor wasn’t easy. In fact, some people told Rod Stahl he was insane. At times, he believed them.
But after years of work, Blue Stripe beer has found a permanent home at Axemann Brewery and a partner in the Blonde Bistro.
“I still think we’re crazy,” Stahl said Wednesday. “Because there’s still a long hill to climb here, especially under the restrictions we’re at now.”
Newly opened after renovations aided by state grant funding from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, the Bellefonte eatery and drinkery is located at the former Cerro Metal Factory in Titan Energy Park. Stahl, Axemann owner, said the former factory’s 20,000-square-foot space — located in the park’s Plant 1 — was the perfect fit and price to create the brewery and taproom.
Though it wasn’t the opening he had hoped for, Stahl said business has been good despite having opened in the middle of a pandemic and under Gov. Tom Wolf’s strict COVID-19 mitigation efforts.
“It’s been positive, considering the circumstances that we’re in,” he said.
Nestled next to the train tracks along Logan Branch, patrons can enjoy the scenery with their meal and choose between seven beers on tap, one cider and two wine selections — all from locally-owned businesses.
While Stahl is disappointed customers can’t sit at the bar yet, he hopes they’ll get the chance to admire the locker doors — formerly used by plant workers — as they sit at tables spread out throughout the space and against windows that open up and face the water.
Currently operating under limited hours, Axemann and the Blonde Bistro are open from 4-10 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday and from noon-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, with last call for food being 9 p.m. Reservations cannot be accepted due to COVID-19.
“We’re like one big happy family,” Blonde Bistro owner Ciara Semack said of the partnership. “Rod’s coming over to us with orders, and I’m running over to him asking for beer to make more beer cheese.”
The Blonde Bistro, formerly located in downtown Bellefonte, updates its food options each week, offering specials on Friday and Saturday. Semack said the restaurant has added some “Axemann faire” to its menu, which includes pretzels with cheese and charcuterie boards.
What’s on tap and on the menu can be found online and on Facebook. Eventually, Stahl said all 12 Blue Stripe beers will be available for purchase.
Despite having to limit indoor capacity to 25% due to the state’s targeted mitigation efforts, Stahl and Semack said they are grateful to have such a spacious setting but are looking forward to eased restrictions when it’s safe.
“It was a big relief to see everything done, but it’s still kind of a work in progress,” Stahl said. “We don’t have everything that we want to do.”
There’s still more to come to the space — including games like corn hole, bubble hockey and foosball, live music and eventually, events, Stahl said.
“There’s some light, a glimmer of light now,” Stahl said. “We just have to get a little closer to that side of it.”
