The former building of the iconic Ellis Mills department store, which sat vacant for many years, has been brought back to life.
Half of the building was transformed into Splitting Edge Axe Throwing in 2018, and the second half is now home to J.J. Ratigan Brewing Company. Business partners Steve Everett, Dan Glennon, Keith and Christa Costello, and Randy Young (J.J. Ratigan’s brewer), wanted to celebrate the history of the building and give the remaining half a purpose. J.J. Ratigan, Glennon’s entrepreneurial great-great-uncle, seemed like the perfect fit for a name of the business.
In the early 1900s, J.J. Ratigan established an enterprise in Philadelphia of wholesaling whiskey and bottling beer for distributors and bars. When Prohibition came to Pennsylvania, Philadelphia carried out the most successful resistance in the Commonwealth. J.J. Ratigan Brewing Company has brought his story back to life and put him back in business after many years!
The brewery has a rustic feel, with exposed brick walls and original wood floors. Part of the first floor is cut away and walled with glass so that visitors can view the brewing system, located in the basement.
J.J. Ratigan and Splitting Edge Axe Throwing have proven the perfect pair; each business building off the success of the other.
Learn more about J.J. Ratigan Brewing Company at: JJRatiganBrewing.com
