A Phoenixville couple is bringing unique beer and a welcoming environment to the local community. Steve and Kara Rogacki are opening Twelve78 Brewing on Bridge Street later this year.
Work has begun on the family-friendly brewery, located at 35 Bridge Street. Co-owner Steve Rogacki spoke to What Now Philadelphia about his plans for the establishment, how it will fit into the Phoenixville community, and why he and Kara chose to crowd-fund the operation.
“Crowd-funding brings in the community”, Rogacki states. “We want Twelve78 to be a big part of the community in Phoenixville. We had a solid business plan, and that helped us a lot.” Crowd-sourcing through Mainvest allowed the Rogackis to provide full transparency to their backers and to further develop a bond with the customers they hope to serve.
Rogacki initially began brewing as a hobby. He started in college and has been crafting unique and distinctive beers for the past 30 years. Interest grew and the Rogackis began touring fairs and beer events.
Rogacki explains that he has consulted extensively with other local businesses to determine the best way to thrive in the town. He and Kara spent approximately a year and a half scouting the perfect location for their new endeavor. “If you want to be successful, you have to be on Bridge Street. Bridge Street itself is a destination. Thousands of people flock here. There are roughly 11 breweries in Phoenixville,but we’re only the fourth to actually brew in Phoenixville.”
The 5,000 square-foot Bridge street building seemed destined for Twelve78 Brewing. The Rogackis were delighted to discover the facility was extremely well-suited to their needs, even without renovations. Twelve78 will offer both indoor and outdoor seating. The space will feature a 36-foot long concrete slab bar with seating for 26. The total indoor occupancy will be 99, with room for an additional 50 guests outside.
Rogacki explains that he and Kara intend to open an outdoor beer garden in the spring. A permanent food truck will be parked outside of the building, ensuring guests can have a bite while enjoying their drinks.
Rogacki says the duo are finalizing the building plans while also pursuing all their remaining necessary licenses and permits.While they are hopeful but uncertain that Twelve78 will open by the end of 2023, the Rogackis intend to have the construction completed by the end of November, so they can hit the ground running as soon as all of the permits are approved.
Rogacki states that Twelve78 guests can look forward to “fun, creative recipes you won’t find at other breweries”. Among his many signature offerings, Rogacki makes a honey kolsch, a chocolate brownie porter, and an array of sour smoothies. The smoothies are particularly popular draws; each is made with the same sour base with an array of mix-ins to make a truly indulgent treat. Flavors include chocolate strawberry banana, a coconut-lime flavor called “paradise”, and a pumpkin-pie treat called “legend”. The brewery will have offerings for its juvenile and sober guests as well. Rogacki assures future fans that Twelve78 will have a variety of sodas available.
The Rogackis want Twelve78 to be an actively engaged part of the Phoenixville community. The couple already is participating in local fundraising efforts for worthy causes, including the local homeless shelter. The Rogacki’s obvious passion for their neighborhood has drawn incredible attention and enthusiasm already. “We’ve got a ton of town support”, states Rogacki. “People have been stopping by to check out our progress and what we’re doing.”
