Jared Adkins has operated Bluebird Distilling in Phoenixville since 2014.

When businesses started to close in 2020 due to the pandemic, the majority of his twenty-two staff left. However, instead of scaling down his operation, Adkins decided to expand, writes Emma Minor for the Main Line Today.

“I decided to buy a very big coffee roaster with the idea of, ‘Hey, let’s start roasting coffee as another business. We’ll start an online shop and sell it,’” he said. 

This proved to be the right move. His business grew over the coming years to encompass both the busy distillery and Char and Stave, a budding franchise that currently comprises two cafes, one each in Ardmore and Chestnut Hill. The cafes have a menu filled with creative beverages along with a bustling calendar of fun, communal events. 

Adkins worked with distiller Matthew Giarratano to find different ideas and ways to make coffee. 

“I think it’s just in our blood,” said Adkins of his long-time partnership with Giarratano, who is also an avid roaster. “We like making things.” 

Read more about how Bluebird Distilling has grown and changed over the years in the Main Line Today. 

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