Craft Brewery to open in downtown Lock Haven

By Emily Wright

LOCK HAVEN, PA – Craft beer enthusiasts in Lock Haven have something to look forward to as a new brewery, Euphoria Heights Brewing Company, prepares to open its doors in the former Lock Haven Elks Club building. The Record interviewed co-owner and local brewer, Noah Schlesinger, to learn more about his vision for the brewery and what patrons can expect.

The owners are currently working on renovating the building, putting a focus on getting the taproom on the main floor of the brewhouse ready to go. Depending on the process of obtaining licensure and equipment, the owners plan to have the brewery up and running by late spring or early summer of 2024.

When asked about the kind of crowd they hope to attract, Schlesinger responded with enthusiasm. “Craft beer is for everyone,” he said. He aims to appeal to beer drinkers who are interested in trying something new, while also offering a variety that will satisfy craft beer fanatics. From blonde ales to stouts, and even some brews reminiscent of popular lagers such as Yuengling, there will be something for everyone.

Discussing the atmosphere they hope to create, Schlesinger revealed his plans for a Scandinavian industrial style. With a vision to create an inclusive and inviting atmosphere, the brewery owners plan to combine the Scandinavian industrial design elements with nods to the building’s historic charm. Different areas of the building will offer distinct vibes, creating diverse spaces for patrons to relax and enjoy their beverages. His aim is to bring the building into the modern era while still preserving its historic charm. The tap room will showcase this style, and he also has plans for an outdoor patio which will provide a unique space for patrons to enjoy their beers. The speakeasy in the building’s basement is a particularly exciting project, offering a glimpse into the building’s rich history.

The owners also intend to incorporate live music to enhance the overall experience. “A big part of the atmosphere in a brewery is the music that you play, and we plan to incorporate that,” said Schlesinger.

Schlesinger also highlighted his commitment to incorporating other artistic elements into the brewery. He expressed his ideas, some of which are to include a bookshelf as a major wall feature and adorning other walls with vinyl records for a unique touch. While no specific plans have been finalized yet, they are excited about the various avenues they can explore when it comes to integrating art into the space.

The decision to establish the brewery in the former Lock Haven Elks Club building stems from a desire to bring economic growth to downtown Lock Haven. Schlesinger explained, “We wanted to bring a more diverse option to downtown and we were also thinking in terms of the economic development of the city of Lock Haven.”

Schlesinger is one of three owners; he is partnered with his father, Mark Schlesinger and his uncle, Jeff Schlesinger. The trio saw the potential for the building to attract more people to the downtown district and provide an economic boost to other businesses in the area. They considered the building’s history, dating back to 1868, which they felt adds to its appeal. The owners plan to preserve some of that history in their renovations.

Schlesinger explained that he will be leading the brewing process and his dad and uncle will be responsible for the event center on the second floor of the historic building. “The decision-making process is a collective one, with all three of us contributing to the overall running of the brewery, but as far as the brewing process goes, that’s all me,” he said.

The renovations are still in the early stages, but anticipation already builds amongst locals for the official opening of the brewery. Lock Haven residents can look forward to a unique and diverse craft beer experience. With its historic charm and modern touches, the new brewery is sure to become a favorite gathering spot for locals and visitors alike.

Upon enrolling in the Brewing and Fermentation Science program at Penn College, Schlesinger already had his sights set on opening a brewery after graduation. Prior to receiving his brewing degree, Schlesinger completed the Recreation Management program at Lock Haven University. He claims that many of his experiences while completing the program “played a vital role” in his approach to opening the brewery.

Armed with his new brewing degree, Schlesinger explained that he and his business partners wanted to bring something new and unique to downtown Lock Haven. “When you look at the landscape of the U.S, most cities have a brewery, but Lock Haven hasn’t had one since the prohibition era,” he said.

In addition to providing a new brewing experience for the town, the owners are also keen on forming partnerships with local businesses and organizations. Recognizing the importance of collaboration, Schlesinger stated, “Craft breweries are kind of rooted in partnerships, so I wouldn’t put a limit to any business, group, organization, or entity that we could collaborate or partner with once things are up and running. We’ve already worked with two organizations locally; Downtown Lock Haven and the Clinton County Economic Partnership.”

When asked about any plans to add employees to the team, Schlesinger confirmed that they plan to have a staff on both the brewing side and the front of the house. While the exact roles and positions are still being determined, the owner expressed his intention to have a well-rounded team to deliver an enjoyable experience for patrons.

When the renovation process nears completion and the brewery is ready to open for business, Schlesinger explained that while the exact days and hours of operation are still being finalized, they anticipate being open from either Tuesday or Wednesday through Sunday. Drawing inspiration from other breweries, they plan to open at noon and close around 10 p.m., giving plenty of time for beer enthusiasts to sample their offerings.

In terms of documenting the brewery’s journey, Schlesinger mentioned his plans to keep followers updated through social media. By sharing the process of renovating the historic building, from its initial stages to the final transformation, the owners hope to engage the community and build excitement leading up to the grand opening. “If you follow us on Facebook and Instagram, one of the things we’re going to do during the process of opening is document the steps we take while making renovations so that everyone can see where it starts and where it ends,” one owner elaborated.

To conclude the interview, a thought-provoking question arose. In an interview with Breweries In Pennsylvania, Schlesinger mentioned that he plans to offer lagers, stouts, sours, hazys, and traditional styles of beer; we wanted to know, what kind of beer would he choose if he could only drink one for the rest of his life? Without hesitation, Schlesinger offered, “I always say Guinness if I absolutely had to choose only one beer.”

To follow the progress that the Schlesinger trio is making on Euphoria Heights Brewing Company, check out their website where links to their Facebook page and Instagram can be found. To track the renovation and opening of Euphoria Heights Brewing Company from start to the finish, visit the brewery’s website:
https://www.euphoriaheightsbrewco.com/