Press Release
The Community House of Moorestown, Rowan College at Burlington County and King’s Road Brewing Company Announce Plans to Launch the State’s First Educational-Based Microbrewery on Main Street.
Moorestown, NJ – The Board of Trustees of the Community House of Moorestown, with representatives of Rowan College at Burlington County (RCBC) and King’s Road Brewing Company, announced exciting plans to open a microbrewery at the Community House located on Main Street, marking the first partnership between a college, a microbrewer and a historic nonprofit organization.
The Community House has served as a gathering place for events and activities dating back to 1926, and a microbrewery, built in repurposed space that used to house an indoor pool, with an educational component is a perfect complement to the organization’s mission and purpose.
“Today’s announcement marks an important day for us, Moorestown Township and members of council who voted unanimously in 2021 for a zoning ordinance that allowed breweries, distilleries and wine salesrooms to open in town,” said Haynes Hendrickson, Vice President of the Board of Trustees of the Community House of Moorestown. “We are optimistic we will reach project fundraising goals and that we will be in a position to satisfy conditions set forth by Moorestown Town Council and New Jersey’s Alcoholic Beverage Control board.”
The interest in developing a relationship between the Community House and RCBC centered around a mutual desire to create an educational pathway into the craft brewing industry while finding a new and unique use for the former pool space. The program will include classroom education and hands-on experience in launching and running a microbrewery just a few miles away from the RCBC campus in Mount Laurel.
RCBC received a grant from the state’s Higher Education Equipment Leasing Fund to secure necessary equipment to establish a microbrewery program. The college is working to create an associate degree in fall 2025 with a certificate program available this fall so that students can begin to complete their general requirements before the brewery curriculum is approved.
“This is a great example of how Rowan College at Burlington County can partner with industry and the community to provide meaningful pathways to employment in underserved industries,” RCBC President Dr. Michael A. Cioce said. “Establishing the state’s first educational microbrewery at a historic venue will create educational and career opportunities for students, economic growth for downtown and a new chapter for the storied history for a local Moorestown gem.”
The news was cheered by local and county officials.
“Craft brewing is a growing industry and Burlington County is seeing first-hand the benefits microbreweries bring to local downtowns and communities. They create jobs, generate economic activity and become fun and attractive gathering spots for friends and families,” said Burlington County Commissioner Deputy Director Daniel O’Connell. “We’re excited King’s Road is partnering with RCBC and the Community House to create a career path for Burlington County students to enter the industry. It’s a perfect match that will enrich and benefit Moorestown, RCBC and our entire county. Our Board thanks and is proud of the college for offering these kinds of educational opportunities that transfer to real world employment.”
“I am thrilled that the historic pool area of the Community House will once again serve as a thriving, exciting place for the public to enjoy,” said Moorestown Mayor Nicole Gillespie. “I am confident this can be another amazing asset for Main Street, where people can gather, connect and enjoy not only exceptional beer but also a sense of community.”
Bob Hochgertel, co-owner and managing director of King’s Road Brewing Company, said he looks forward to seeing a community hub develop in Moorestown like it did in the brewery’s original location. “King’s Road Brewing Company has helped in transforming Haddonfield,” he said. “Through our commitment to quality craft beer and community involvement, we’ve become a catalyst for positive economic and social change in Haddonfield. We believe the same can be true in Moorestown, and Main Street in Moorestown is a physical continuation of the historic ‘King’s Road’ from where the brewery takes its name.”
Visit www.CommunityHouseBrewery.com to learn more about the Community House plans.
About the Community House of Moorestown
The Community House is an independent 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization in the heart of Moorestown. Since 1926, the Community House’s mission is to serve as the hub for community activity, and to nurture the growth of nonprofit organizations. The Community House is not funded via tax dollars and subsists entirely on rental fees and generous donations from the community.
