West Chester Dish

(Downingtown, PA) — Victory Brewing Company, an independent craft brewery located in Downingtown, PA, will reopen its restaurant operation May 7, 2008. The company, started in 1997 by school age friends Bill Covaleski and Ron Barchet, started complete renovation and construction of their on-site restaurant facility in January of this year. In total, the restaurant was expanded to more than 7,100 square feet with seating capability of 290 plus.

The renovated Victory Brewing restaurant has been outfitted with authentic brewery décor. This includes three copper brewhouse tops from old German breweries, an all-Pennsylvania collection of brewery trays, beer cans and vintage all paired with warm tones of color. Rich wood paneling throughout the space completes the cozy, old world pub feel.

“Along with a talented and dedicated crew, Ron and I built the original restaurant ourselves more than 12 years ago.12 years of hosting people’s most precious times put some hard miles on the place. With this renovation we seek to accommodate the young families that were let down by long table waits on our busy weekend nights,” said Bill Covaleski, president and brewmaster of Victory Brewing Company.

The revamped Victory Brewing Restaurant includes a number of special features. Part of the size expansion includes a new private dining area with AV capabilities for seating up to 70 people. This makes the space perfect for birthday parties, weddings, corporate meetings and other festive events. Additionally, coming later this month, will be the “Brewmaster’s Table.” This one of a kind space seats 12-15 people within a copper brew kettle top. Victory has also installed an in-house smoker to create authentic barbeque. Victory patrons will now be able to enjoy brisket, chicken, pastrami and salmon paired with barbeque sauces made with Golden monkey, Storm King Stout, or HopDevil.

Most importantly, the beer will take center stage. The bar has been outfitted with 60 taps able to handle 20 different beer styles at any given time and growler fills will now be handled using a specially crafted Austrian built filler. The new filler works similar to our bottling line. It’s pressurized for a more efficient and longer lasting fill in every growler.

Longtime fans of the Victory Brewing Restaurant need not worry about all of the upgrades. Many of the favorites from the original restaurant will be served including pizzas and sandwiches. And now, patrons will enjoy their stay while watching their favorite game on two 42” flat screen televisions above the bar.

The new opening also signifies a return to daily lunch hours. The new hours for the restaurant provide greater opportunity for young and old to enjoy a visit to their local brewery. Lunch will be served everyday from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. with Saturday and Sunday opening at 10 a.m. Every day of the week patrons will be able to enjoy their stay until closing at midnight and tours will be provided, as previous, every Friday and Saturday at 4 p.m.

For more information on Victory Brewing Company visit us on the web at www.victorybeer.com or contact communications coordinator Anne Shuniak at annes@victorybeer.com 610-873-0881 x109.

Victory Brewing Company

Victory Brewing is a privately held microbrewery located in Downingtown, Pennsylvania. Begun by two childhood friends on the school bus in 1973, the brewery formally began operations in February of 1996. Victory, Pennsylvania’s widely acclaimed brewery and restaurant, now serves fans of fully flavored beers in 23 states. To learn more about Victory Brewing Company visit us on the web at www.victorybeer.com.