USA, PA: Rough Edges Brewing set to open its first location in Waynesboro

Locals can soon sit back and enjoy a pint at a new brewery coming to Waynesboro's Main Street, the Chambersburg Public Opinion reported on May 7.

Rough Edges Brewing is set to open its first location in the old Main Street Diner building adjacent to Christine's Cafe, according to Bill Kohler, director of economic development for Mainstreet Waynesboro Inc.

“Good things are happening downtown and we invite everyone to come down and experience it!" he said.

Co-owner of the brewery, Casey Frost-Phebus, said the new business will offer a rotation of beers, along with light finger foods. It also plans to eventually partner with downtown restaurants and possibly some food trucks in an effort to drive more business downtown.

Since brewing became a hobby for the couple about three years ago, they began by taking their passion to the next level by going to local farmers markets and a beer festival to share samples. In addition, Frost-Phebus' husband, Wes, works at Something Wicked Brewing Co. in Hanover.

"We have gotten extremely positive feedback from the community, so we decided to pursue obtaining our license and opening a brewery," she said.

As Waynesboro natives, the downtown location was a natural choice for the new business owners. Frost-Phebus said they wanted to keep a "vintage feeling," so they settled on a building with historical significance that residents have a connection to.

"It’s home for us and we want to help build Waynesboro back up," she said.

The brewery's purpose is to also add a "fantastic asset" to downtown which will attract more business, according to Frost-Phebus.

"We grew up spending time here in the downtown area and want to see that again," she added. "We plan to partner with (Mainstreet Waynesboro) and the other local businesses as much as possible to keep the momentum going."

Currently, the couple is undergoing the licensing process and expects to start construction on the new location by the end of the month with the intent of being operational by the end of the year. Frost-Phebus noted the brewery will begin with hours on Thursday through Sunday, which could be adjusted, as needed.

“Mainstreet Waynesboro is thrilled and excited that Wes and Casey picked downtown to make their dreams of a brew house and tap room come true," Kohler said. "We feel like the former News Agency location (most recently the Main Street Diner) is a perfect place for Rough Edges, and we look forward to helping them in any way we can."