1 restaurant says goodbye, 2 say hello. Turnover coming to kitchen at Axemann Brewery
Axemann Brewery’s kitchen is without a chef after its in-house food partner closed Saturday, but it likely won’t remain that way for long.
Smokey Axe Grille became the second eatery in less than a year to close its location inside 2042 Axemann Road, after what’s now Blonde Bistro Brew Works vacated the space in May.
The restaurant, which opened in August, thanked its customers in social media posts for their support.
Those looking to grab another bite of appetizers, sandwiches and sides aren’t totally out of luck. The business’ fare is still set to be served from the food truck Belle City Bites.
Marin Eats, which has operated a food truck at Axemann for nearly two years, and Flo Bros. Fire Smoked Pizza are set to take over the kitchen Thursday, brewery co-owner Dorothea Stahl said Monday.
Each signed up to share the about 1,900-square-foot kitchen that pumps out food to a space with a capacity of nearly 500. The brewery leases space to its food partners. Menus are expected to be unveiled before Thursday.
“We’re not in the food business,” Stahl said. “We’re in the beer business.”
Since neither business is new to Axemann, Stahl expressed optimism they will be able to serve dozens and dozens — if not more — of hungry customers at the same time. Other food trucks are expected to remain on-site.
Marin Eats owner and chef Matthew McKean has been cooking for nearly 25 years. His previous stops included The Hotel Hershey, Home D Pizzeria and The Penn Stater.
The restaurant’s hours are slated to mirror the brewery’s, except food service will stop one hour earlier most days: 4-9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday to Saturday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.
McKean plans to continue operating at J.L. Farm & Cidery one weekend per month. He also plans to spend the second and fourth Friday of every month at University Wine Co.
“It’s going to be an adventure, that’s for sure,” McKean said.
