After 15 Years Dock Street Brewery’s West Philly Location is Closing Its Doors

This past Tuesday Dock Street co-founderRosemarie Certo posted a farewell letter on the company’s website and announcing the closure of Dock Street West. Dock Street ingrained itself in the West Philly community and introduced many collaborations including nicethings IPA, with West Philly’s own Chill Moody.

Dock Street South will continue its operation while “On June 1st, there will be a talented duo taking over Dock Street’s space in the Firehouse – they are young, ambitious, hardworking, and kind,” Rosemarie’s letter states. See full message below:

Farewell for now! After fifteen amazing years, Dock Street Brewery West’s time in the beautiful firehouse we called home is coming to an end.

I speak for all of us – present, past and future – when I say that Dock Street has an intense respect for the West Philly community. You are our neighbors and friends, and for a decade and half, the corner of 50th and Baltimore has been home to us all.

On August 27, 2007, Dock Street poured its first pint at the magnificent Firehouse. The path was far from easy. We fought zoning politics, and, although the restaurant and beer industries are now much more evenly represented (but still not perfect), gender biases at every turn. With immense help from the community (shout out to Maureen Tate), UCD, our phenomenal landlord Linford Martin, and at one point, hundreds and hundreds of letters from our neighbors, we were able to build a thriving brewery, restaurant, and hub for the community.

I’m proud of who we are to the neighborhood and what we’ve collectively accomplished. I’ve watched members of our staff develop personally and professionally, whether they chose to make a career at Dock Street, or to supplement their own life’s passion. I’m truly grateful for the impact this beautiful neighborhood has had on me. I remember often saying that West Philadelphia served as a Utopian model for what every community in the US should be. Every time I walk into Dock Street Brewery, I am proud of the fact that we are a melting pot of so many races, creeds, and genders, ranging from newborns to grandparents. We had a great time being there together. We have been the site of countless first dates – and even a few weddings resulting from those first dates. We’ve been here for graduation celebrations, baby showers, concerts, fundraisers, festivals, art openings, or just dinner with colleagues, kids, or pals. Your joys became our joys; we thrived and triumphed together with you.

Now, in 2022, I am beginning the next chapter of my professional career working on a project that has been close to my heart for over a decade. I’m grateful for the opportunity to pursue it, and to share more details in the near future.

We are selling the equipment of the brewpub and not the name, Dock Street Brewery. On June 1st, there will be a talented duo taking over Dock Street’s space in the Firehouse – they are young, ambitious, hardworking, and kind. They are seasoned brewers and will make fantastic beers and other fare. We can’t wait for you to meet them and to welcome them to the community.

Thank you to all the staff, customers, vendors, and partners who became the Dock Street West Family. We shared so much laughter and joy. I have an enormous amount of respect for you.

Wherever I go, Dock Street West will always be a part the Dock Street spirit.

Cheers!
Rosemarie