New brew pub to merge craft beer, local flare and whimsy
By Kim Chiomento, Staff Writer, The Times
KENNETT SQUARE – Tucked away on the lower level of 109 S. South Broad Street, the Kennett Brewing Company (KBC) expects to combine innovative craft beer, local artists and a healthy dose of whimsy to create the Borough’s newest destination, when it opens its doors.
Scheduled to open in September, KBC will offer house-brewed beers accompanied by a simple seasonal chalkboard menu featuring fresh, local, organic fare and artisans.
Co-owners, Jen Braunstein and Jossy Osborne, are also married to the brewers – Chris Braunstein and Mark Osborne. The local connection is strong as the Braunsteins are also teachers in the Kennett Consolidated School District.
KBC is the product of both the Braunstein’s and Osborne’s more than 13 years of research and experimentation with brewing craft beer. “We’re unique because of our brewers and the beer they create,” says Jen Braunstein, “Mark is into historic English ales, while Chris is into the newer American styles; when the two off them combine their brewing powers, magic happens.”
Customers can expect to find interpretations of traditional English Ales, innovative American IPA’s and some darker brews for stout lovers. The brewery currently features four fermentation tanks and seating for 50 with room for future expansion.
The Kennett Brewing Company’s “Mug Club” will feature hand crafted mugs by local artist and teacher Meghan Bergman.
The KBC family is committed to infusing local talent into their establishment. Meghan Bergman, Greenwood Elementary art teacher and rising ceramics potter, (meghanbergman.com) was approached by fellow educator and brewer, Chris Braunstein, for the innovative “KBC Mug Club.” Bergman was commissioned to design hand-made mugs, with the panache of limited quantities available for those supporters who purchased Club memberships.
The Club, created to help raise funds for the start-up of KBC, included a very popular online voting contest for which mugs would be chosen for Club members. These custom mugs now await their owner’s use during visits to the KBC tap room, and also provide a fun dose of understated prestige with every sip.
Another local artist and friend, Derek Brennan, was selected to develop the whimsical Kennett Brewing Company “Hop Skull” logo. The logo captures both the spirit of merriment and historical mystique the owners hope to instill in the KBC brand.
Adding to the taproom’s whimsy are the KBC Merrymen (and women) who are a select, by invitation only group. The Merrymen will meet monthly to develop discerning palates, historical beer knowledge, provide input on upcoming brews, and, as humorously described on KBC’s website: “to eat, drink and be merry…other specifics left to members only.”
KBC seeks to provide its customers with “a tasting experience like no other,” providing an intimate setting to “affordably enjoy interpretations of the finest beers from around the world,” amidst all the charm of historic and vibrant Kennett Borough.
To get connected and stay up to date on KBC’s grand opening, menu items and latest brews visit: www.facebook.com/KennettBrewingCompany or kennettbrewingcompany.com
