Long Branch NJ Distillery Opened 3 Weeks Before Pandemic Shutdown Celebrates Return to Full Capacity
Industry: Travel & Leisure
The Long Branch Distillery spent years planning to open its unique location with locally distilled spirits only to face 14 months of hardship trying to weather the storm of Covid shutdowns.
Long Branch, NJ (PRUnderground) May 17th, 2021
The Long Branch Distillery announced today that they will be opening their speakeasy-themed parlor and tasting room to full capacity of 150 people on Wednesday, May 19th. The milestone announcement comes after 14 long months of the business fighting to survive the pandemic after a grand opening that took place just 3 weeks before the March 2020 shutdown.
Originally, owner Mark Elia sought to open a distillery that would not only provide a memorable tasting experience for guests sampling their distilled spirits, but he also looked forward to creating an atmosphere that would bring people together. He spent years planning and working with engineers and contractors to bring forward his vision. This included a vintage parlor where guests could enjoy live jazz performances, a dog-friendly outdoor seating area, dedicated space for private events, and personalized tours to learn about the distilling process for their vodka, rum, gin and limoncello.
“Literally every detail of The Long Branch Distillery was thought out with the goal of bringing people together to bond over our locally distilled spirits and entertainment” recalled Elia. “However, when Covid hit and the Governor’s mandates were put in place, everything that we had to do was contrary to our intended mission. It was incredibly hard to survive while only being allowed to serve our products in an extremely limited capacity. This is why we are so proud to have weathered that storm and to be opening our doors to full capacity. We hope everyone joins us in celebrating on May 19th.”
Elia continued that manufacturing spirits in a new distillery is “labor intensive and challenging” and that he was “very proud” of his team for their hard work, creativity, and dedication throughout the last year.
Currently, The Long Branch Distillery is operating at 50% capacity but expects a full house when they open to full capacity on Thursday. Patrons will be able to sample the distillery’s Big Door brand of locally distilled spirits including Lighthouse vodka, Juniper-berry and botanical blended gin, as well as straight bourbon, and a classic rye whiskey. There is also a limoncello that will be ready soon and a cucumber flavored vodka and light rum that are in the works.
“We are ecstatic about returning to full operations this week and we want to remind those visiting for the first time that we are a Bring Your Own Food (BYOF) establishment. Guests are also encouraged to order food from one of our many local restaurants to be delivered to you while enjoying the spirits we serve” noted the distillery’s hostess.
Learn more about The Long Branch Distillery at https://lbdistillery.com and follow their latest updates on Instagram at @lbdistillery.
About The Long Branch Distillery
The Long Branch Distillery is a unique concept distillery created by owner Mark Elia and his team. Located at 199 Westwood Avenue, Long Branch, New Jersey, the location proudly serves locally distilled spirits like vodka, gin and rum, as well as bourbon, and rye.
About Long Branch Distillery
Founded in 2017, Long Branch Distillery opened to the public on February 20th, 2020. During the COVID-19 pandemic, our motto has become ”When life gives you lemons, make limoncello.”
