USA, OH: Lockport Brewery to open second location in New Philadelphia

Bolivar's Lockport Brewery will be expanding into New Philadelphia, opening a second location in the former Five Barrel Bullet Brewing Co. building near Harry Clever Field sometime this spring, Times Reporter said on January 27.

The new business will be at 1690 E. High Ave.

"We're calling it the Pilot Brewhouse," said Lauren Marburger, who owns the business with her husband, Andrew. "There's two parts to that name. In the brewing world, a smaller brewhouse where you test out batches is called the pilot brewhouse. And then we're here right at Harry Clever Field, on the airstrip."

The Marburgers purchased the building after Five Barrel Bullet Brewing closed in the summer of 2024.

The couple had been looking to expand their business.

"It was important for us to stay in Tuscarawas County for several reasons. This is where we were raised, we live here, we have our family here and we thought reaching into the county a little bit further was an exciting opportunity," she said.

The Pilot Brewhouse will sell beer brewed at both the Bolivar and New Philadelphia locations. "The two breweries will work together. This brewery will purchase beer from Lockport in Bolivar. We will sell it here under that Lockport name. People will understand that there's a connection. We will also brew beers here onsite," Andrew said.

In addition, the Pilot Brewhouse will serve deli sandwiches and pizza.

"We understand that people want to drink beer," Andrew said. "They want to eat food, too, and we want to make sure that the quality of that is what we expect. That's always been important to us, the quality of our beer, the quality of our food and then most importantly, the quality of our service."

They will retain the beer garden behind the building, as well as the stage where Andrew said they will hopefully have live music and other events.

The Marburgers are anticipating on having between 20 and 30 employees at the New Philadelphia location. Two of their current employees will move to the Pilot Brewhouse. Jess Berbari will serve as general manager, and Aaron Border will run the kitchen.

The 3,500-square-foot building will have seating for 75 people inside and about 40 or 50 outside.

Andrew said he thought East High Avenue was a good location to expand the business, citing several reasons, including the Performing Arts Center at Kent State University at Tuscarawas, the new medical wing under construction at Buckeye Career Center and the recently completed bicycle trail on East High Avenue connecting Kent Tuscarawas with downtown New Philadelphia.

"I think there's a lot of opportunity on this side of town. It's been a little bit untapped, especially with the airport," he said.

David Mitchell, general manager of the Performing Arts Center, is pleased over the news about the Pilot Brewhouse.

"Our audiences are always looking for a spot to grab a bite or a drink either before or after a show. It really enhances their experience for the evening. Having another option so close to the PAC is fantastic," he said.

Mayor Joel Day is also pleased.

"Pilot Brewhouse will no doubt become a popular gathering place in New Philadelphia, just like Lockport Brewery in Bolivar," the mayor said. "I’ve had discussions with the Marburgers about the possibility of bringing their award-winning craft beer to New Philadelphia. And now it’s happening. The name Lockport recalls the Old Lockport Lager that was once brewed at the New Philadelphia Brewing Co. on South Broadway. I’m so happy for them. The Marburgers have worked hard to grow their small business."

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