Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Sly Fox teams up with GoggleWorks
Award-winning brewery will be art center’s exclusive beer provider
POTTSTOWN » Sly Fox Brewing Co. is teaming up with GoggleWorks Center for the Arts in Reading, as part of the center’s planned hospitality expansion.
The company has just been named the exclusive beer provider for GoggleWorks, which plans to add a new bistro, craft bar, on-site catering, a campuswide liquor license and special programming.
“This is really exciting. We have been talking about it for a while and we’re glad that we have been able to make it happen,” John Giannopoulos, Sly Fox managing partner, said in an interview. The new bistro, called Belly Kitchen & Drinkery, will be headquartered on the ground floor of GoggleWorks, on Washington Street in downtown Reading.
“Sly Fox will ignite our visitor experience,” said GoggleWorks Executive Director Levi Landis in a press release. “In addition to serving some of the finest craft beverages to thousands, they have several tasting rooms and restaurants, and host festivals throughout the region.”
Sly Fox will serve as the venue’s craft beer sponsor. GoggleWorks’ culinary team, comprised of Chef Jim Churchman and Bar Manager Dustin Wise, will create the food and cocktail menus at the new bistro, and Sly Fox Brewmaster Brian O’Reilly will oversee the beer program.
O’Reilly will curate a tap system devoted entirely to Sly Fox beers, paying special attention to a variety of seasonal and experimental offerings.
“Beer has always helped bring people and ideas together, and we look forward being the exclusive beer provider for this exciting new venture from GoggleWorks,” O’Reilly said in a release.
The brewery will also sponsor Sly Fox Stage, a state-of-the-art sound stage that will serve as the entertainment center and pulse of the restaurant space.
“We make beer and Levi wants to do music. We talked about how we can blend the two, and he came up with the idea of a sponsorship program,” Giannopoulos said. “We agreed — we like the whole concept.”
This is the first time Sly Fox has done a project like this, but Giannopoulos said he is open to similar opportunities.
“Things really came together on this project. Personalities just clicked — it was the right thing at the right time. If it happens again like this, we would consider it. We’re looking for all kinds of opportunities to spread the Sly Fox word,” Giannopoulos said, adding that he is also excited about working with Churchman and Wise, saying they will be “outstanding.”
Landis added that he expects the program to grow, and plans an outdoor seasonal beer garden and culinary classes.
“With this team in place, GoggleWorks can cultivate a rich, inventive experience for
“Things really came together on this project. Personalities just clicked — it was the right thing at the right time.” — John Giannopoulos, Sly Fox managing partner
our 250,000 annual guests, pairing deliciously-crafted food and beverages with high-quality art,” Landis added.
Giannopoulos said he is expecting to begin operating sometime in September.
For more information about Sly Fox Brewing Co. visit www.slyfoxbeer.com .
For more information about GoggleWorks Center for the Arts visit goggleworks.org.