New Philadelphia Brewing Company Created With the Split of Yards Brewing Partners

Entrepreneurs Nancy and Bill Barton officially severed their partnership in Yards Brewing Co. The Bartons, along with long-time partner Jim McBride, announce the formation of Philadelphia Brewing Co., which will begin brewing operations in Kensington this fall.

The Bartons resigned from Yards in mid-July 2007 and since then have not been involved in the brewing or business operations. Yards Brewing Co. will rent the Kensington brewery from the Bartons and McBride until it relocates. Once Philadelphia Brewing Co. is licensed, full brewing, bottling, and distribution operations will commence under the new name.

"We sold the name, 'Yards,' not the heart and soul of the operation," said Bill Barton. "We'll continue to do what we did with Yards, with new brand names. We remain devoted to serving our food and beverage industry customers and beer lovers everywhere."

"We remain committed to quality beer, our employees, and to making Philadelphia a great city through community involvement," continued Nancy Barton.

When the Bartons joined Tom Kehoe as partners in Yards in 1999, the company was struggling financially. The Bartons stabilized the business, quadrupled production, and anchored the community revival in Kensington with their restoration of the Weisbrod and Hess brewery complex.

"When we joined Yards, the company lacked direction and infrastructure," said Bill Barton. "We're extremely proud of the company's nine-year record of progress and growth. We could not have done it without our brewers, bottlers, drivers, and administrators. Over the years this team, along with valued friends of our operation, made engaging beer lovers in new ways and serving our bar and restaurant clientele a great pleasure for us."

"Soon, Philadelphia Brewing Company will continue this tradition," said Nancy Barton. "Stay tuned for more announcements."

For information about Philadelphia Brewing Co., call 215/427-BREW. The new company is located at the corner of Hagert and Martha Sts. in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia, right off of Frankford Avenue and York Street. The facility was originally built to house the bottling operations of the Weisbrod and Hess Oriental Brewing Company, which ceased brewing in 1939.

Contact: William Barton, 215/427-BREW (215/427-2739)