The craft breweries and distillery in Phoenixville are creating new economic opportunities for a borough that has become known throughout the region for its craft alcohol scene, writes Kenneth Hilario for the Philadelphia Business Journal.

Phoenixville is currently home to seven breweries and one distillery. These make up anywhere from 10 to 15 percent of downtown businesses. They’re also giving visitors new reasons to stop by.

“We used to make steel. Now we make beer,” said Jessica Capistrant, CEO of the Phoenixville Chamber of Commerce. “That’s a point of pride for us. Businesses are charitable, providing jobs and adding to our tax base.”

They’ve also given new life to the town’s downtown area.

For instance, Crowded Castle Brewing took over a former print shop, while Bluebird Distilling has renovated a vacant building that has now become the “gateway” to Phoenixville.

“A lot of these places were underutilized or, frankly, an eyesore,” said Capistrant.

After alcohol laws were relaxed in 2016, local businesses have begun expanding beyond the town limits. Bluebird Distilling, for example, has opened two new locations in Philadelphia since the changes came into effect.

Read more about how Phoenixville is reaping the economic rewards of craft beer in the Philadelphia Business Journal here.