Ardmore is no stranger to innovative business concepts and ideas. In recent years, it has emerged as an incubator for the start-up or expansion of many companies.
It’s no coincidence that local entrepreneurs are choosing Ardmore to launch their big ideas. Viva Video one of the last remaining (and successful) video stores in the area, grew from the ashes of TLA Video. Replacing the former Brownie’s 23 East, Ardmore Music Hall has transformed Ardmore’s after-5 environment and brought exciting nightlife back to Lancaster Avenue.
Opened in 2011 as a small brew café on Ardmore Avenue, Tired Hands—under the direction of Ardmore’s “mad genius” Jean Broillet—won many national and international brewing awards before expanding to a second location with a larger brewing capacity and 180-seat restaurant. If you’ve ever ventured out on a brew-release day, you know Tired Hands is making a mark on the craft beer scene.
“We’re proud to be a contributor to the vibrant and flourishing landscape that Ardmore is becoming,” says Broillet. “[Ardmore] is continuing to attract forward-thinking small businesses that help propel our town to become a great place to live, as well as a destination point for non-locals.”
Several family-owned regional chains have selected Ardmore. A Taste of Olive—selling specialty olive oils, vinegars and tableware—chose its as their second of now four locations. Gerhard’s Appliances chose Ardmore as one of its six locations. Iron Hill Brewery opened its 11th location in Ardmore in 2014, and Ardmore became the first suburban outpost for FUEL when it opened in early 2015.
Many members of our small business community have been here for 50-plus years, including Rossi Shoes, Rittenhouse Electric and Giannini Jewelers.
McCloskey’s Tavern: An Ardmore Institution
There’s no denying that McCloskey’s Tavern is an indispensable part of downtown Ardmore’s identity. It’s a great example of a business that has kept up with the times while maintaining the “neighborhood tavern” atmosphere for which it’s known.
This beloved mainstay opened its doors on July 14, 1934, just a year after Prohibition ended. Originally owned and operated the McCloskey family, the bar is now run by a group of childhood best friends from Havertown. While the ownership has changed, the bar has not lost an ounce of any old Irish charm. This welcoming atmosphere is one of the things co-owner Paddy Doherty loves about his bar. “You can walk into McCloskey’s and sit down between the former CEO of a local company and a Haverford College student having an engaging conversation about today’s issues,” he says. “We are the bar where everyone truly does know your name. Ardmore has grown significantly over the last six years and we’ve seen a number of young families move into the neighborhood. We love it!”
Even though McCloskey’s Tavern has been around since 1934, innovation is always in the works. Currently, the McCloskey’s team is working on a beer garden on Cricket Avenue—the first of its kind in Ardmore. If all of that weren’t enough, they’re gearing up for another Oktoberfest this fall. One of Ardmore’s premier events, it’s touted as one of the only family-friendly Oktoberfest celebrations in the area. Close to 5,000 people are expected to gather on Cricket Avenue. Visitors can expect an array of German brews, traditional Oktoberfest fare, live music, kids’ events, and general good cheer. McCloskey’s partners with the local business district authority, The Ardmore Initiative, and other local businesses and vendors to produce this wildly popular event.
This year’s Oktoberfest will take place September 24. Visit ArdmoreOktoberfest.com for event details and more.
