The North Penn region has become a destination for craft beer enthusiasts over recent years, with the area boasting upwards of eight local breweries along with a handful of distilleries and wineries — all within a short distance of one another.
Looking back a decade, however, there was only one — Round Guys Brewing Company.
Later this month, Round Guys will celebrate their anniversary of 10 years in Lansdale Borough, which is twice as long as the initial hopes for co-owner Scott Rudich.
“Closing out a decade in business is an amazing milestone,” Rudich said. “I had only hoped I could make it to five years. I’m so grateful for all the love and support that we have gotten to be in business this long.”
On Saturday, Sept. 24, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Round Guys will host their anniversary party along with a Punk Rock Flea Market, courtesy of their partnership with the Headway Art Collective. The event, which will be held at their location on South Wood Street, will feature vendors as well as musical performances by The Mega Yeah, Riverside Odds, Ukulele Al, and Little Arcana.
And what 10-year brewery anniversary would be complete without a few custom brews? Round Guys co-owner Bill McGeeney said they’ll have 16 “new takes” on Round Guys classics, including Imperial Cyrano, Anise Slapjack Saison, Blueberry Berliner, Pineapple Jalapeno Professor Booty, and Key Lime Pie Lansdale Lager.
Admission is free for the event. Follow Round Guys on Facebook for more information closer to the event.
A Legacy of Commitment and Support
Round Guys will not be alone in their festivities on Sept. 24. In fact, Stove and Tap will be closing North Wood Street for an event around the same time, and Madison Street will be closed for Well Crafted’s 4th Anniversary Block Party (free tickets available here). Both of those businesses came into the borough in the years after Round Guys launched, and both have been partners in varying capacities over the years.
“Being at the forefront of the Lansdale revitalization effort, seeing Stove and Tap, Boardroom, Well Crafted and Backyard Beans open, that’s been one of the biggest highlights since we’ve opened,” said Rudich.
Other highlights included bringing drag shows to Lansdale, talking to aspiring brewers, aiding neighboring breweries, launching the now defunct The Underground, and making Taco Tuesday a monolithic crowd favorite, according to Rudich.
“I didn’t grow up here. I didn’t go to North Penn or Lansdale Catholic. I don’t even live in Lansdale, but everyone accepted me and let me into the fold,” Rudich said. “Our customers/mug clubbers are second to none. Owning a brewery in Lansdale is like inviting your friends over for food and drinks each night. It’s a very special feeling.”
Looking Ahead
As for what the future holds for Round Guys, Rudich provided some insight without tipping his hand too much.
Projects on the horizon include renovating the space that contained the first brew house and convert it into a new iteration of The Underground.
“We would like to relaunch The Underground in that space,” Rudich said. “We also see that as a place where people can host affordable private events.”
Beyond that, Rudich said he would like to refine their dining experience, provide more contract brewing and canning, and eventually explore opening a second location.
“I’m thankful for all the support. I’m thankful for the forgiveness I’ve received when making questionable decisions, and I’m thankful for my partners — Bill and Brian. Without them Round Guys would have ceased to be long ago,” said Rudich. “Lastly, and certainly not least, if I had never opened Round Guys, I never would have met my wife, Sarah. Being in business for 10-plus years is very special, but the chance meetings like that is what makes this journey exceptional.”
See also:
Round Guys: A Year of Collaborations
Round Guys: As Simple as Peanut Butter and Jelly
Round Guys: Alcohol Ink Artist to Design Gimme Seltzers
Jane’s Addiction Gives Shout Out To Round Guys Brewing Co.
