You can add Allusion Brewing to the many breweries in PA who have announced expansion plans. The Vandergrift, PA brewery recently announced the expansion on social media. We sat down with part of the ownership group, Robert Buchanan and John Bieranoski to learn more about the future location.
What was once a former martini bar will soon transform into the Allusion Brewing brand which is located at Duncan Manor at 1701 Duncan Avenue in Allison Park. The 3,200 square foot facility will allow Allusion to nearly triple in size as compared to their existing location in Vandergrift offering seating for over 170 guests.
The space will be comprised mostly of seating for guests, with the addition of a small kitchen and beer cooler. Currently the Allusion team is working on construction to make the new taproom “feel as close to Vandergrift as possible” the team said. The location will have an art deco, 1920’s speakeasy feel with copper ceilings, low lighting, wood floors and more casual seating than they currently offer in Vandergrift. “Ultimately, when we are done with the space you will recognize that you are at Allusion Brewing” Buchanan said about the remodel of the building.
The Allison Park taproom won’t have onsite beer production as the space will be taproom only, but the space will feature14 draft lines, with all but one of them being Allusion offerings. The plan is for them to keep one line open for draft cider. In addition, they will continue to offer PA made cocktails and wine, much like is being offered at their main brewery and taproom in Vandergrift.
In addition, the small kitchen will allow Allusion to continue to offer the robust food menu they have become known for. Their current menu features starters, paninis, soups, salads, and more. Guests can expect a similar menu in Allison Park.
When asked about why the expansion, Buchanan shared that much of the feedback the brewing company has received over the years as a motivating factor. “We just celebrated 3 years in business. And during our 2nd year we wanted a way to get more people into the brewery. So, we started distribution and being at more events to drive traffic back to our location. During our 3rd year we did even more events/ distribution and kept being asked when we would open a location closer to Pittsburgh” Buchanan explained.
Buchanan went on to say that while this location brings them closer to Pittsburgh, it is also an area they felt was ideal for brewery growth. “There really isn’t much of a comfortable place to have a few drinks with friends in the area. Everything in the area is a loud restaurant, and there isn’t anywhere relaxing.”
For local guests who have come to know and love the offerings from Allusion, you can expect the same in Allison Park. Bieranoski, who is also responsible for brewing the beer, confirmed that whatever is being offered in Vandergrift will also be offered in the new space. “This location will have four introductory beers for those who want to try more approachable offerings. But we will keep doing our stouts, fruited sours, candy sours, and more West Coast and Hazy IPA’s as well” Bieranoski said.
“Right now, we are producing about 400 barrels per year. We have the capacity to do 1,000 barrels per year so production should be able to handle the new influx of beer in Allison Park” Bieranoski confirmed.
As of this writing the plan is for the new location to be open in early 2024. For now be sure to follow the brewery on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook to continue to keep up with their growth. And stop into their brewery and taproom in Vandergrift to experience Allusion firsthand.
