Latest transformation at Bellefonte’s Titan Energy Park aims to create ‘an experience’ for visitors

Titan Energy Park is already home to several eclectic businesses, and the revitalization continues as partners Angela Eliasz and Lori Balash bring their vision for a new food and beverage venue to Centre County, with Mad McIntosh Cidery and Alloy Kitchen.

Eliasz, who has a background in Hollywood visual effects, left Los Angeles for cider and wine-making and the Finger Lakes area, and now Centre County. With family in central Pennsylvania, Eliasz says she was intrigued by the Titan Energy Park space when she was introduced to it by then-owner Joe Leahey.

“He convinced me to come down here. He’s like, ‘Everybody does the Finger Lakes ... I think we need you guys down here.’ It took probably a year of convincing me and me walking through the factory, going, ‘I see ... it’s really dirty,” Eliasz said, laughing.

But, at the end of 2019, Eliasz decided to take the plunge and launch Mad McIntosh Cidery in Bellefonte — and she’s spent the time since then cleaning away all that dirt and grime to turn the industrial space into something more befitting her artistic background, with industrial-meets-Victorian character.

Balash, with her local restaurant and hospitality experience, came into the picture via what Eliasz calls “divine intervention from the universe,” when a curious Balash decided to check out the space during its early renovations. Prior to Balash’s involvement, Eliasz was considering working with food trucks for cidery visitors, because “the food aspect was not my forte.” But now, the two are working on a restaurant concept and small plate menu that will pair well with the cidery’s various ciders, wines and cocktails.

“I would like to focus more on small plates and share-ables, for when people want to stick around and make a night of it,” Balash said. “I want to work on things that pair well with cider and wine.”

Eliasz hopes the space will become a “one-stop shop” for people looking for a drink and a bite to each.

“Lori and I have talked about how some of our favorite meals are just appetizers, because you don’t have to commit to an entree,” Eliasz said. “I can eat something from Thailand for one bite and then go on to France for another one or go American with another.”

As for the cider, Eliasz ensures that Mad McIntosh’s offerings will be anything but ordinary. With an on-site production and bottling facility, a full cider tap system and partnerships with local distilleries, there will always be something new and unique on offer. Ciders to expect include the flagship Classic Bob, a dry cider; Sweet Sue, a slightly sweeter cider; Joe’s Rose, a cherry rosé cider; and Ginger Geri, a cider that will particularly appeal to ginger beer fans, among others.

Whatever a customer orders, though, both Eliasz and Balash hope to offer more than just good food and great cider; they’re looking to create an experience.

“When people walk into the space, it’s more of an experience, not just for the palate, but for the eyes,” said Eliasz, noting the cidery can hold, at full capacity, more than 400 patrons. “It’s not just going to be a bar. We want people to come in and stay for a while. ... This is where I want to be. I don’t want to go to a stuffy old bar. I want something unique. I want fun things to look at.”

The transformation of the space within the former Cerro Metal factory — which is also home to Axemann Brewery and The Blonde Bistro, as well as Titan Market — has been an ongoing process.

“We’re grinding down the floors and finding the beautiful concrete work. ... We pulled out an old cooling tank from the plant up on top of the hill and we cut it in half, welded it onto the side of the building and that’s our entrance,” Eliasz said. “It’s magical. Every day we come in and there’s something new. ... It’s like the biggest art project I’ve ever worked on.”

While the two had hoped to open the cidery and restaurant for the summer, COVID-related manufacturing and shipping delays impacted their schedule. Realistically, Eliasz says, she hopes to open around the beginning of September.

For updates, follow Mad McIntosh Cidery on Facebook, at www.facebook.com/MadMcIntoshCider.