PHOENIXVILLE — Bluebird Distilling, 100 Bridge St., has kicked off a renovation of the craft distillery, representing a full-scale transformation of the distillery and tasting room and the start of a “new era” for Bluebird.
The launch of the $2 million renovation coincides with the 10-year anniversary of Bluebird Distilling, which opened in May 2015.
When it is finished, the space will boast a full-service Neo-Neapolitan pizzeria and restaurant, an expanded bottle shop and retail experience, a new central bar, and a coffee program by sister company, Char & Stave, according to a press release announcing the project
The phased renovation of Bluebird Social: Cocktails & Kitchen by Bluebird Distilling is expected to be completed in the winter and is designed to ensure Bluebird Distilling’s cocktail bar and retail store remain open throughout.
“We’re not just expanding — we’re evolving,” Jared Adkins, Bluebird Distilling founder and master distiller, said in a statement. “This next chapter is all about crafting a deeper, more dynamic guest experience. We want people to gather, linger, and connect over everything we do — spirits, food, coffee, conversation. That’s what Bluebird is all about.”
The Project
The centerpiece of the reimagined space will be a custom-designed, rectangular communal bar with seating for approximately 30 guests, surrounded by industrial-chic design details and featuring a decorative fireplace and custom-made banquettes. The goal, according to the company, is to “bring back the sense of community and vibrant socialization that Bluebird Distilling has always championed.”
The new, open-air Neo-Neapolitan kitchen will feature scratch-made pizza dough, house-baked breads, seasonal sandwiches, and fresh salads — designed to pair with Bluebird Distilling’s cocktail program, according to the release. The area will feature chef counter seating and new food options. The bar will also feature a selection of local beer and wine and an expanded coffee and espresso program by Char & Stave — Adkins’ coffee roastery that boasts the tagline: “Coffee made by whiskey people.”
The upgraded retail space will feature a floor-to-ceiling barrel stave installation, in addition to expanded bottle shop offerings. The selection will include Bluebird Distilling’s grain-to-glass spirits — including its limited-edition bourbons, ryes, gins, and rums, as well as Char & Stave’s bottled coffee liqueurs, amari, and coffee beans. Adkins’ newest brand, Townie Whiskey, branded merchandise for all three ventures will also be available.
The project collaborators are architect Paul Salvaggio, designer Michael Gruber, creative design studio True Hand Design, and pizza consultant Gregorio Fierro.
Adkins originally started a career in corporate manufacturing/engineering, according to the Bluebird distilling website. He spent several years learning everything he could about spirits — including taking classes, visiting distilleries and working with experts. He then transformed the 100 Bridge St. location into a distillery.
