Old Mortar, New Brew in H-burg

Irony is always fascinating. If you know much at all about Allegheny Street in the Borough of Hollidaysburg, you know that the buildings are architecturally fascinating, built close together, of various styles, and beholden to one common element. They're all old.

So imagine that you and your business partners have decided to take your entrepreneurial fascination with beer-making to the commercial level. Having experienced success with your first location in downtown Altoona, the Railroad City Brewing Co., you rent a space on Allegheny Street to expand your brand. Turns out that your building, built in 1838 in the Federal style, is the oldest building on the street!

Simply fascinating, especially given that John and Jen Hrivnak started this whole journey because they needed to escape the madness of corporate life. Though financially lucrative, the professional insurance world led to burn-out. Passionate about food, eating and having fun experiences when going out, Jen opened JOOS a few blocks up on Allegheny Street several years earlier.

Meanwhile, RCBC Master Brewer Matt Winrick began experimenting with brewing before teaming with John in opening a dedicated brewery in Altoona. The Railroad City Brewing Co. (RCBC) is the first brewery in Altoona since the Altoona Brewing Co. closed in 1974, according to Jen.

Currently, RCBC microbrewery in Hollidaysburg offers its own craft beers on tap. Occasionally they have guest taps and are preparing to expand into other drinks including hard soda, craft soda, kombucha and teas.

In addition to brewing, Jen and John plan to expand the RCBC Hollidaysburg hours, menu offerings (they have a full kitchen onsite) and to get people out to have fun having a unique experience in Hollidaysburg. In July, look for an expanded food menu in Hollidaysburg.

On being entrepreneurs, Jen said, "We enjoy being in a place where you are actively creating things and people are coming in and you get to witness them appreciate what it is that you just made."

Jen said, "Master Brewer Matt Winrick brews a mix of classic and modern styles with some experimental brews thrown in."

He is also reportedly working with Lakemont Park on a series of sour/wild ales coming out later this year.

Next up for Jen and John is completing the renovations to their woodfired pizza and craft brew restaurant in the former Shirley's Shoes building on 11th Avenue in Downtown Altoona.