Boston Brew-Your-Own-Beer Brewery Raises Money for a Philly Location

When City Winery opens in the new Fashion District Philadelphia (formerly the Gallery) at 9th and Market next year, Philadelphians will be able to make their own wine right in the city. And if all goes according to plan 15 blocks up Market, they’ll be able to brew their own beer as well. Hopsters, a Boston-based brewery, is crowdfunding to raise money for a Philadelphia location in the new 2400 Market building, where Aramark’s headquarters and the Fitler Club will be located.

Hopsters first opened in 2013 in Newton, Massachusetts. At the beginning of 2018, it debuted a flagship location in Boston’s Seaport District after a Wefunder campaign that raised almost $2 million from 500 investors, according to founder Lee Cooper. Through Wefunder, people invest a minimum of $100 in startup companies.

Hopsters is now looking to raise $4 million for the Philadelphia outpost, which will be part regular brewery, part “DIY brewery” where patrons can design their own beer, and part restaurant (serving wine and cocktails along with the beer). Cooper is hoping to have it up and running in spring 2019.

The company has big plans for expansion beyond Boston, with a goal of 16 locations by 2022. Philly will be the first outside of Massachusetts.

Originally constructed in the 1920s, 2400 Market on the Schuylkill River has been completely overhauled, with five new floors added for a total of 600,000 square feet. A private lifestyle club, Fitler Club, is opening in the building, with Kevin Sbraga signed on as culinary director.

• Peek Inside the New Hopsters in the Seaport District and Brew Some Beer [Eater Boston]
• A private lifestyle club and hotel is coming to 2400 Market [Curbed Philly]
• City Winery Will Bring Food, Wine, and Live Music to Philly’s New Mall