Iron Hill Brewery names new CEO

Chris Westcott will continue company's growth in new markets

UWCHLAN » Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant has announced Chris Westcott as the new Chief Executive Officer for the craft brewery and scratch kitchen. Westcott stepped into the role effective Monday, Oct. 11. During his tenure, he will continue Iron Hill’s growth in new markets throughout the MidAtlantic and Southeast regions.

Iron Hill Brewery was founded in Newark, Del., in 1996 by Kevin Finn, Mark Edelson and Kevin Davies. It has grown to a chain of 20 locations across Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Georgia.

“I am honored to be joining such a celebrated, award-winning brand and look forward to partnering with the talented leadership team to continue Iron Hill’s legacy of delivering quality food and beverage, alongside unmatched service experiences.” Westcott said in a Wednesday press release announcing his appointment.

Westcott comes to his new position with expertise gained through a long career in the restaurant industry. Most recently, he served as the Chief Executive Officer of Rosa Mexicano, a fullservice restaurant offering fresh, contemporary, upscale Mexican cuisine in New York City and other major metropolitan areas. Before that, Westcott spent more than 20 years with McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks. He also owned and operated his own restaurants early in his career.

Westcott is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America. He chose the restaurant industry at an early age, rising through the ranks in various operational roles before moving to the executive level of nationally recognized restaurant brands, according to the release.

“We are excited to bring someone with Chris’s background to the Iron Hill family. His culinary experience is impressive and complements Iron Hill’s commitment to both traditional and innovative from scratch cooking,” Kevin Finn, co-founder, chairman of the board and acting CEO, said in a statement. “Culturally, I believe Chris brings the same values and commitments to our guests and our employees that I instilled at Iron Hill since the first restaurant opening in 1996.”

“As we move forward and continue our expansion into new regions, I look forward to working with Chris to introduce our unique, locally brewed seasonal and signature beers to new guests and to continue exploring new ideas in the craft beer universe,” Mark Edelson, co-founder and head of brewery operations, said in a statement.

Expansion for Iron Hill quickly followed the opening of that first location in Delaware. In 1998, a second location opened in West Chester. The decision was made that each location that opened would have an on-site brewery, according to information on Iron Hill’s website. After setting a goal to have 20 locations open by 2020, the company opened four new locations in 2018.

Iron Hill Brewery opened four new locations during the pandemic — Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Newtown, and two locations in the greater Atlanta, Georgia market. In December 2020, the group expanded again with the opening of Iron Hill Brewery TapHouse in Uwchlan Township, at 260 Eagleview Blvd. The TapHouse also includes the company’s first large-scale production brewery, which can produce 20,000 barrels of beer each year. It allows the company to take its craft signature beer and seasonal favorites to larger consumer audiences.

For more information, visit www.IronHillBrewery.com.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Chris Westcott comes to Iron Hill with a long career in the restaurant industry.