Changes are underway as a Derry Township entertainment complex condenses operations in the new year.
The Englewood at 1219 West End Ave. announced that, effective Jan. 5, the Tavern restaurant inside the main barn on the property is closed for daily dining service and will open only for private events, including concerts.
Diners are being directed to patronize the complex’s other restaurant, The Farmhouse. That restaurant expanded its hours, added a happy hour and blended popular Tavern food and beverage items into revamped Farmhouse favorites.
Rick Russell, one of the founders and Englewood partners, said the decision was made to streamline operations.
“I think the key in this business is to be adaptable and to recognize what is happening and what is not happening,” he said.
The Englewood opened in 2020 off Bullfrog Valley Road in a historic renovated barn with the restaurant, a live music venue and a brewery.
Russell and business partner Jeff Sharp invested more than two years renovating the barn, which is part of the Hershey West End mixed-use development.
Through the years, the facility has undergone several iterations. In March 2025 it reopened the Tavern after a five-month closure.
Three years ago it took over the neighboring Cocoa Beanery at 1215 Research Blvd., which now houses the Farmhouse.
Englewood COO Candy Mellinger said the recent decision was a matter of sustainability as they noticed an increase in bookings for special events and a demand for the Farmhouse.
She said bringing the Tavern’s menu and operations over to the Farmhouse allows them to expand the offerings, noting they added a fun happy hour without compromising the coffeehouse vibe.
“It’s a central hub for a lot of different customers,” she said.
Mellinger said they retained all of the full-time staff.
The Farmhouse menu incorporates breakfast foods such as baked oatmeal, French toast dippers and avocado toast, and veers into salads, sandwiches and flatbreads for lunch and dinner.
In the future, Mellinger said the menu will evolve with expanded offerings.
Russell said the change also will allow for more live music, which is the foundation of the Englewood’s business model.
As private events have become more sustainable and in demand, Russell said live music was being pushed out.
With the space now dedicated to events such as weddings and corporate gatherings, it increases the availability and allows for more live music, he said.
In fact, the Englewood recently announced a lineup of live music, including the U2 tribute band U2Topia, The Badlees, Neil Young tribute band Sugar Mountain and the Old 97s.
On concert nights the Tavern will be open for food and drinks before the shows.
The Farmhouse operates 7 a.m.-7 p.m. daily.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.pennlive.com ’
