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'Super excited!': Bethlehem brewery expands operations with new canalside taproom

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  Published in Food and Wine on Sunday, August 24th 2025 at 21:51 GMT by WFMZ-TV
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Bethlehem’s Own Brewery Goes Big: New Canalside Taproom Signals Bold Growth

In a move that has the locals buzzing, a Bethlehem‑based craft brewery has announced plans to expand its footprint by opening a new taproom on the city’s historic Canalside district. The initiative—described by the company’s co‑founders as “a super‑excited milestone” for the business—represents more than just a new storefront; it is a testament to the town’s revitalized downtown, the beer‑making craft’s rising popularity, and the community’s appetite for local flavor.

From a Small Batch to a Regional Staple

Bethlehem Brewery began as a modest micro‑brewery in 2015, pouring a handful of seasonal ales from a converted shipping container on the banks of the Lehigh River. The founders, former beer distributors turned artisans, sought to create brews that reflected the region’s industrial heritage while offering something entirely new. Their flagship “Iron Works IPA” quickly gained a cult following and cemented the brewery’s reputation for quality and authenticity.

Fast forward to 2024 and the brewery has grown to produce over 50,000 barrels per year, distributing across the entire Northeast and into the Midwest. Yet, even with the surge in demand, the original taproom, a 1,200‑square‑foot space in the former Bethlehem Foundry building, has become a bottleneck. “We’re proud of what we’ve built,” says co‑founder and head brewer Marianne Lewis. “But the community is asking for more—more space, more experience, more beer.”

Canalside: A New Home for Craft Culture

The chosen site is a refurbished warehouse located at 112 Canal Street, right on the edge of the historic Bethlehem Canal District. The building, once used for grain storage, offers an ideal blend of industrial charm and contemporary design. After a $2.5 million renovation, the space will feature a 600‑seat indoor seating area, an outdoor patio overlooking the river, and a state‑of‑the‑art brewing laboratory.

The brewery’s official website (linked in the original article) gives a virtual tour of the taproom’s interior: exposed brick walls, reclaimed timber beams, and a curated collection of local art. “We want to celebrate our heritage while creating a space that feels like a community hub,” Lewis explains. “The Canalside location is perfect because it’s right where people gather for festivals, river walks, and the annual Oktoberfest celebration.”

The opening is slated for late September 2024, a strategic choice that dovetails with the town’s burgeoning summer festival calendar. Local officials, including Mayor Jason Jones, have praised the project, citing the anticipated boost to the city’s tourism economy. “This expansion will generate new jobs—both in brewing and hospitality—while drawing more visitors to downtown Bethlehem,” Mayor Jones told reporters at a recent city council meeting.

Brewing Capacity and Community Impact

While the Canalside taproom is a front‑of‑house triumph, the real technical upgrade comes in the form of a new 20‑barrel fermentation line. This addition will double the brewery’s brewing capacity, allowing for larger batches of popular releases like the “Crown Jewel Stout” and the seasonal “Harvest Moon Porter.” “We’ll be able to experiment more,” Lewis says. “More capacity means more creativity, and more of us in the community will be able to taste it.”

The expansion also creates an estimated 15 new jobs across brewing, bar service, and event coordination. The company has pledged to prioritize hiring locally, with a commitment that at least 80 % of the new staff will come from the Greater Bethlehem area. This focus on local talent has already attracted attention from nearby educational institutions, including the Lehigh Valley Community College, which is hosting a scholarship for students pursuing hospitality and brewing programs.

A Menu to Remember

The new taproom will offer an expanded beer menu featuring both flagship brews and limited‑edition specials. Patrons can expect the “Iron Works IPA” and the “Rivertown Lager” to remain staples, while the taproom will also highlight seasonal offerings like the “Spring Brook Wheat” and the upcoming “Autumn Ember Ale.” The brewery’s website (linked in the article) lists the current menu and a brief backstory for each beer, underscoring the brand’s commitment to storytelling.

In addition to beer, the taproom will host a rotating selection of locally sourced wines and small‑batch spirits, reflecting the region’s growing craft beverage scene. The space will also be a venue for live music, poetry readings, and “brew‑with‑the‑brewer” nights, creating a cultural nexus for the community.

Partnerships and Sustainable Practices

Sustainability has been a guiding principle for Bethlehem Brewery since its inception. The new taproom will incorporate a rainwater harvesting system, LED lighting, and a partnership with the local composting program to reduce waste. The brewery’s social media channel (linked in the article) highlighted a recent partnership with Lehigh Valley Recycling Corp., which will help repurpose spent grains into animal feed, a practice that has already saved the company over 12,000 pounds of waste annually.

Looking Ahead

The Canalside taproom marks a pivotal chapter in Bethlehem Brewery’s story—one that blends heritage, innovation, and community. By expanding its physical presence, enhancing brewing capacity, and investing in local talent, the brewery positions itself not only as a craft beer producer but as a catalyst for downtown revitalization.

As the community watches the final stages of construction and the brewing lines being tested, one thing is clear: Bethlehem’s beloved brew is ready for the next chapter—more accessible, more creative, and more rooted in the town’s spirit than ever before. Whether you’re a die‑hard IPA aficionado or a casual beer lover, the new Canalside taproom promises an experience that’s as refreshing as it is engaging. Stay tuned for the grand opening, and be sure to follow the brewery’s updates on their official website and social media for the latest news, event announcements, and exclusive tastings.