A brewpub named after a dog? It’s true: This 175-seat brewpub’s name pays homage to the founder’s beloved beagle-bulldog mix, Marley. The first thing you’ll notice when you snag a tap list from Marley’s Brewery and Grille in Bloomsburg is that the pet concept continues, with many beer names including a playful nod to both dogs and cats.
“Basically, we all love our pets,” said Andy Fisher, who has been the brewery manager since 2017. “You might find Just Kitten Kolsch, Pack Dog Peanut Butter Ale, Panther Porter or any number of pet-themed brews on tap. Our patio is always pet-friendly, too. Keeping with that theme, we also host or sponsor several events throughout the year to raise money for local animal shelters or veterinary hospitals.”
It had been four years since Marley’s had left its first location to open its brick oven restaurant when Andy was handed the keys to the brewery in 2017. During that time, the entire brewing operation was moved from the historic Hotel Magee location to the new site.
“In our original location, our brewing facilities were located in the basement, so many challenges had to be overcome, including removing the floor to lift the brewhouse and vessels out,” he explained. “Our new building contains an addition to the back of the building, where all of our brewing takes place. Operations were shut down for a brief period, but we were back up and running quickly. My suggestion to other people moving, expanding or upgrading is to plan for a realistic budget and timetable, then double that initial estimate!”
All in all, Andy recommends brewery managers and owners get comfortable with being adaptable to meet the daily demands of running a brewery. “You really have to become a jack-of-all-trades. I figured I would be brewing, doing recipe design and some cellar work,” he noted. “In the last two years, I’ve personally built (and still daily update) our website and social media platforms. I also clean all the kegs, clean all the tap lines, wash dishes, run food, take orders, barback, do plumbing and electrical work, etc. The challenges never end, but that also becomes the rewarding factor. Customers don’t need to care about those challenges, but when they enjoy your product, it’s a great feeling.”
Marley’s is also part of the River Rat Brew Trail, which Andy says has been a positive collaboration. “We’ve been a member of the River Rat Brew Trail since its inception. Other than the exposure a beer or wine trail can provide, my favorite element is being able to periodically meet with the other brewers and just have some time to talk and have beers,” he explained. “There’s a great sense of camaraderie between all of the member breweries, and I anticipate that will continue. I would certainly recommend other breweries join or start a trail, but you need to make sure you understand what is involved. For instance, we have to ensure groups of 20 to 30 don’t show up Saturday at 6 p.m. and expect immediate seating. Seeing a bus pull into the parking lot on an already busy night is a problem. Set hours and group limits, and stick to those rules.”
So when Andy isn’t busy pitching in at the brewpub, what does he drink? “Personally, I drink pale ales and IPAs. Head brewer Kyle Kalanick and I work every day to do our best to keep a diverse profile of brews.” Andy hired Kyle in early 2018 after a companywide refocus in 2017. Since then, Kyle has helped streamline production and improve consistency.
“Most times, we offer three to four pale ales or IPAs; however, we’re both big fans of German lagers and try to keep at least one on tap at all times,” Andy said. “Then, of course, we dabble into seasonal selections, including some Belgian styles. We keep a diverse list of 10 to 14 rotating beers.”
A large tap list is a common trend in brewhouses, and attempts to appeal to the broad variety of consumer palates. The menu at Marley’s is similarly focused. “We like to think our food and beer offerings work very well together, and we have pairing suggestions for each beer we release. We have something for everyone: appetizers, sandwiches, salads, burgers, pizza, entrees and gluten-free and vegan options.”
What’s the fan favorite, according to Andy? “You can’t go wrong with our most popular items: pizza, stromboli and burgers.”
The Brewers of Pennsylvania is a nonprofit trade association that brings together leaders of Pennsylvania-based breweries in order to promote and protect the brewing industry in the state. Established in 2011, the Brewers of Pennsylvania serves the consuming public of Pennsylvania by encouraging brand diversity in the market. We believe in the nobility of brewing and hold dear the great traditions and history of Pennsylvania brewing.
All photos: Marley’s Brewery and Grille
