Congratulations to McCall Collective who is set to become the latest brewery in PA to open their doors to the public. The brewery officially opens on Saturday, August 29th. The new space is located at 102 East Susquehanna Street in Allentown.
For locals of the area, you may be familiar with the location as it was most recently the home of Salmon Pants Brewing. However, as we found out during our visit, the McCall team spared no expense to completely transform the space into an area the public is sure to not recognize. Even going so far as installing a brand new QTS 7 barrel brewhouse.
As we learned, the name McCall Collective Brewing describes a collective effort amongst the McCall family to bring a decade long dream of owning a brewery to life. The business is lead by Kaitlin (Founder/CEO) and Chris (Co-Founder/CFO) McCall. Joining them in the venture is head brewer, and Chris’ brother, Matt McCall.
Take a virtual tour of the taproom and brewery for yourself (Photos courtesy Bryan Meyer Photography):
More on the inspiration of opening their brewery:
“It was during a trip to Northern California that the initial idea of opening a brewery was first incepted by Chris and Kaitlin McCall. It wasn’t long after that, Chris’ brother starting brewing in their backyard. Today they bring years of experience across many industries including commercial brewing to the Southside of Allentown, PA.”
The taproom will seat close to 80 people featuring their 7 bbl, American made, brew system. Growlers and crowlers will be available to go. The brewery has also hired a cocktail manager who will put together a special drink menu featuring local Wine, Spirits, and Ciders. In fact, two of the draft taps will be dedicated strictly to wine.
As mentioned above Matt McCall will lead brewing operations. Locals should feel a sense of pride in the creations Matt delivers as he has spent his career in the commercial brewing industry. Initially being hired as a brewer at the local Sam Adams brewery in Breinigsville, PA, and eventually being hired as the head brewer of Coney Island Brewery, a major staple in the craft beer industry.
Beer won’t be the only item available on the menu. The brewery also has hired a kitchen manager with plans to offer a lunch and dinner menu 5 days a week. Unique to the brewery they will offer a touch screen to order your food, much like you would find at a WAWA or Sheetz. Guests can step up to the touch screen, create their food item and be notified via text message when the food is ready for pick up.
McCall will be joining the many family-friendly breweries in PA offering a location for all to enjoy themselves. “We want all of you, our customers and community, to feel welcomed at McCall Collective”
When speaking with Chris we found his passion is rooted in offering the community a local establishment they can be proud of. The brewery will offer a wide variety on tap, however, he would like to focus on a core lineup that can be found regularly. “I want guests to come into our brewery and know they can order beers they have become familiar with,” Chris told us.
The brewery plans to be open five days a week; Thursday through Monday. From 3:00 – 9:00 Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Monday and from 12:00 – 8:00 on Sundays. Can’t make it to the opening on the 29th? Make sure to follow the brewery on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with their growth for yourself.
