hey iron hill, thanks for the memories

Earlier today, our social media was blowing up with the news that ALL Iron Hill locations were closing.

I think they expanded too much personally, and according to multiple media reports, there are bankruptcy filings.

I actually have to say I think this is a shame and it was one of those places you could always enjoy. And I’m not even a beer drinker at all.

The first Iron Hill I went to was years ago in Media when they first opened there. Then I used to go to Ardmore when they opened there, and West Chester and Phoenixville.

The best out of all of the locations was always Media in my opinion.

When I lived on the Main Line and was working on events like First Friday Main Line, I can tell you that Iron Hill was very generous with nonprofits all the time. When I first moved to Chester County, I went to a couple small nonprofit things at the location in West Chester Borough. And as opposed to a lot of businesses they were always invested and involved in communities where they had locations.

Iron Hill closed Ardmore in 2024. At that time Phoenixville closed as well. And today, all remaining locations went dark. Under heavy circulation, of course, is the email that was leaked by an anonymous employee. Here is a copy and paste of what’s all over the Internet and social media:

“ Reach out to HR with questions.”

Ouch. So I’m guessing there’s no severance for anyone? And what about people who depend on an hourly wage job? Are there companies that have announced they are willing to look at terminated Iron Hill employees?

I don’t know what the inner workings of this are, but I’m a little disappointed. I mean, I don’t know how you completely shutter how many locations at once, but is this like the restaurant equivalent of when Carrie Bradshaw got broken up on a post it note by Berger on Sex in the City?

Anyway, I don’t think this economy is as splendid as people would have you think, or according to propaganda coming out of Washington, DC. and again I sadly think that Iron Hill just expanded too much. I’m sure the expansion game is tempting when you’re rising in the local business scene, but there is something to be said for less is more. Also, how many breweries and micro breweries and brew pubs are there at this point and could over-saturation in the marketplace also have contributed.?

Bye Bye Iron Hill.

a very cool lunch bunch

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I discovered this great thing today: Latino Luncheon which  began 12 years ago in West Chester with just a handful of people. What a remarkable and nice bunch of people.

They are this Latino based networking/community group with their finger on the pulse of Chester County. It is not just Latinos, but it is also truly multi-cultural.  Latino Luncheon is as per one member “open to all Latinos and those who love them.”

I have had many Latino friends over the years and met some fabulous Latina community activists when part of Save Ardmore Coalition and we were fighting eminent domain for private gain in Ardmore and elsewhere. Mary Cortes of Cramer Hill Camden and the late Rosemary Cubas of Philadelphia come to mind in particular. (I also have a Cuban Uncle, although I do not recall ever seeing much of his Latino side save for his fondness for Café Bustelo.)

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Anyway, this collective holds a monthly luncheon at Iron Hill in West Chester and you can sign up via their Meet Up page. They raise awareness for issues affecting the community and even give out  some scholarships – in other words they do good deeds and enjoy each other’s company. I can’t tell you how nice it was to be in a room of positive people who celebrate each other.

IMG_3561State Representative Duane Milne and State Senator Andy Dinniman attended along with a lot of lawyers and school board and judicial candidates.  (Well it is election season, after all.)

I was introduced to the group by Maureen Martinez. Maureen is on the Planning Commission in East Whiteland and running for Supervisor.  Maureen’s IMG_3570husband is Cuban, so she is very keen on the issues facing Latinos in Chester County and elsewhere.

Andy Dinniman presented a proclamation and remarked that the Latino community is becoming a force to be reckoned with in Chester County.

Dinniman also discussed a version of American Dream Act is coming to PA and both political parties support it. Bi-Partisan – anyone graduating from a PA high school will be eligible for in state tuition costs.

IMG_3588Everyone went around table introducing themselves. We heard from amazing men and women, and even found out that one of the Main Line Today Power Women of 2013 was a founding member of this group – Nelly Jiménez-Arévalo.

And they presented a scholarship check to an amazing young woman named Elenie Gonzalez.

Chester County OIC is a non-profit organization with offices in West Chester and Phoenixville dedicated to providing FREE adult basic literacy education and life skills programs that prepare individuals for employment leading to economic self-sufficiency. In operation since 1979, CCOIC helps over 800 adult learners per year.
Joyce is part of the slate of candidates running for West Chester Area School Board called Better Direction for West Chester. I totally enjoyed meeting her and well, West Chester Area School Board would be lucky to get someone like her.  Any school board would, so here is hoping voters check her out.

I had never met PA State Representative Duane Milne before and thoroughly enjoyed it.  I always enjoy seeing PA State Senator Andy Dinniman and we chatted Chester County SPCA and other things.

But I have to tell you I was nervous going to a luncheon where I only knew a couple of people and now I look forward to going to another one.  It has been a very long time since I met such a caring and welcoming bunch of people who  had some amazing careers and were completely without pretense or artifice.  They care because it is simply the right thing to do. We could all take a page out of their book.

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For more information on Latino Luncheon, check out their Meet Up, Facebook Latino Luncheon – Chester County PA , and Twitter

Next time I will bring a grown-up camera to get some really great shots for these nice people!

Also a shout out is in order to Iron Hill Brewery – I love that they host these community endeavors so graciously and nicely!