Iron Hill at 20 Years

Hello Iron Hill employees and fans,

We started Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant 20 years ago and it’s been a wonderful ride so far. Although many things have changed (like the color of my hair) with the help of our staff we have built a wonderful company that I an very proud of.

Over the course of those 20 years I have met great people. More than anything else, I am so proud of the many people who have made Iron Hill successful. I still get to do orientation for new restaurant openings. I go through our history, mission, and values. All of these are important to our success. But MOST important are the people on the front lines. They interact with our guests, make our award winning beer, and prepare our delicious food each and every day.

For many of us, Iron Hill is a family. I can’t tell you how many times I have run into employees who worked for us many years ago and come up and tell me that it was the best restaurant job they ever had. It is very satisfying to have touched so many lives over the years. And I can’t even pretend to remember all of the marriages that came from people working here at Iron Hill.

Another thing I am particularly proud of is how many people have developed and grown to lead Iron Hill. Doris Kerr, our Director of Operations, started as a hostess 20 years ago. Eric Maney, now a regional manager, also started in Newark as a host. Justin Sproul started as a dishwasher before moving on to become a head brewer in Newark, then Wilmington. Clint Wagner started as a bartender when we opened in West Chester. Michelle Wilson, our regional chef, started as a server in North Wales. Tim Stumpf started as a server, became a manager, and end up as an award winning brewer. And Tiffany Arnold, our payroll manager, started as a server. I could go on and on.

Our mission is to Inspire Loyalty. We want our guests to come back and become regulars. But my mission has also always been to Inspire Loyalty in our staff. As we have grown it has been harder for me to meet everyone that works at Iron Hill, but when I do get to recognize them for their hard work it is one of the most satisfying things I get to do. They all work hard, I know that, and I truly appreciate everything that they do to make Iron Hill successful.

Lastly, my career has also changed. When we started 20 years ago I was passionate about making great, unique beer. At that time the industry was just taking off and there just was not a great deal of craft beer in the market. But over the last 20 years my priorities have changed. I still am passionate about beer! But I am just as passionate about the ability to create a company where people can develop, grow, and go on to have great, long term careers in the restaurant industry.

Finally, I just want everyone to know that I realize how important Iron Hill’s success is to the many employees who work here and want to thank each and every one of them for your commitment and hard work. It has made Iron Hill one of the most successful restaurant companies in the area. Thank you!

Kevin Finn, President, Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant