PHILADELPHIA — A significant shift is brewing for one of the Mid-Atlantic’s most recognizable craft beer and dining chains. Jeff Crivello, the former CEO of the barbecue giant Famous Dave’s, has reached an agreement to acquire 10 locations of Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, including a key site in Philadelphia.
The deal marks a major entry into the brewpub sector for Crivello, who is known in the hospitality industry for his aggressive innovation and turnaround strategies during his tenure at BBQ Holdings.
The Deal at a Glance
While Iron Hill Brewery operates over 20 locations across Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, and the South, this acquisition involves a specific portfolio of 10 units.
According to reports, the purchase includes one of Iron Hill’s Philadelphia locations, ensuring Crivello a foothold in the city’s competitive dining market. Iron Hill currently operates a flagship location in Center City on Market Street and a neighborhood favorite in Chestnut Hill. The specific Philadelphia location included in the sale was not immediately itemized in the initial announcement, but its inclusion signals a commitment to urban markets.
The financial terms of the acquisition have not yet been disclosed.
Who is Jeff Crivello?
Jeff Crivello is a veteran of the restaurant industry, best known for his leadership at Famous Dave’s (BBQ Holdings). During his time as CEO, Crivello was credited with modernizing the legacy barbecue brand. He was known for experimenting with "ghost kitchens," co-branding locations, and streamlining operations to adapt to a changing culinary landscape.
His move to acquire a large chunk of Iron Hill suggests a belief in the "polished casual" dining model—a sector that pairs high-quality scratch cooking with on-site craft brewing.
What This Means for Iron Hill
Founded in Newark, Delaware, in 1996, Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant has grown from a local favorite into a regional powerhouse. The brand is famous for its "scratch kitchen" philosophy and for brewing award-winning beers on-site at every location.
For Iron Hill, selling a cluster of 10 locations to an experienced operator like Crivello could signal a move toward an "asset-light" model or a strategic restructuring to fuel further expansion in other regions.
It remains to be seen if Crivello plans to introduce the operational experiments he was known for at Famous Dave’s, or if he will maintain the traditional Iron Hill experience that loyalists in the Delaware Valley have come to love.
For now, Philadelphia beer lovers can rest easy knowing the taps are still flowing, but there may be new energy—and new management—behind the bar.