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Vol. LXV, No. 29
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Wednesday, July 20, 2011
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Vol. LXV, No. 29
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Wednesday, July 20, 2011
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 BEST BREWPUB: “We are a brewpub — on-site brewery and a restaurant — and we are the first licensed brewpub in New Jersey. We are also a member of the New Jersey Brewers Guild.” Eric Nutt, Sales & Marketing Manager of Triumph Brewing Company, is enthusiastic about the company’s 16th anniversary in business in Princeton. |
Time for a cold one? Now that it is officially summer, many folks like to enjoy a cold beer on a hot day.
Triumph Brewing Company at 138 Nassau Street can certainly oblige. Opened in 1995 by certified master brewer Adam Rechnitz, it has become a Princeton institution. Not only does it make beer on-site, it offers a full-scale restaurant as well.
It is also proof of the value of hard work and perseverance. In order to open in 1995, Mr. Rechnitz and his partners had to take on the New Jersey legislature and spearhead a drive to legalize brewpubs, which were then illegal in the state. They were persistent, visiting members of the State Assembly and Senate to press the case, and the bill was passed in 1994.
After the 1995 opening, the brewpub quickly became a popular place for a variety of customers — from serious beer connoisseurs to people who simply enjoyed good food and a glass of beer or wine (there is a full bar) in a relaxed atmosphere.
Unique History
The building itself is intriguing, with a unique history. Over the years, it has been home to a silent movie theater, a hardware store, a bowling alley, and a number of restaurants.
“We can seat 220, and even more for private parties, receptions, and events. We have two private party rooms upstairs,” points out Eric Nutt, Sales & Marketing Manager. “We have a broad demographic — male, female, ages 24 to 70-plus, single, married, and families. We always have a special kid’s menu available.
“We really have lots of events, including private parties, showers, rehearsal dinners, and wedding receptions. We have even had a wedding ceremony. Corporate functions and Princeton University functions are a big part of the business. In addition, we have many, many regular customers, including Princeton faculty and staff, as well as people from all over.”
Customers enjoy the fact that they can eat and drink in an upstairs or downstairs setting that affords a front row view of the 3-tiered stainless steel brewery.
Flagship Beers
“Tom Stevenson is head brewer, and he has been here since the beginning,” says Mr. Nutt. “We have more than 80 different styles of beer, with seven different ones on any given day. It takes two to four weeks to make beer, depending on whether it is ale or lager.
“We always have three flagship beers on the menu that are very popular: Honey Blonde, Amber Ale, and Bengal Gold IPA (India Pale Ale). We also have beers that are unique to us, including Jewish Rye, Roggenbock, and Picktish ale. Another very popular selection is the Coffee & Cream stout.”
“Growlers” — one-half gallon containers — are very popular, and they are also refillable. If customers return them, they will be refilled at a discount.
Those who come to eat as well as drink are not disappointed. Triumph offers a lunch and dinner menu, including appetizers, salads, soup, sandwiches, and entrees. Favorite signature items include the calamari appetizer, new fish taco sandwich (salmon and tuna), the Triumph Burger, featuring grass-fed beef and choice of a variety of cheeses; and the special fish and chips (beer-battered Maine cod). The full range of entrees includes seared scallops, seared tuna, pork roulade, and a number of vegetarian dishes, among many other items.
Farm-to-Table
“We support the local farms, including Cherry Valley,” notes Mr. Nutt. “We believe in sustainability, farm-to-table. And beer is sustainable.
“I especially enjoy this business because every day is different,” he adds. “I have always loved beer and the restaurant business, and this has been an opportunity for different marketing experiences. We have two other Triumph Brewing Companies in New Hope and Philadelphia, and we look forward to opening another in Red Bank, our fourth location.”
Princeton has been an excellent location, he points out. “It has an urban feeling. There are companies here, the University, a lot of European people, and also tourists. They all appreciate the quality and variety of our beer. The craft beer industry is doing well. People are willing to spend money, but they want to have a different experience.”
At Triumph Brewing Company, that experience can also include a local singer/songwriter on Thursday nights; live music with local and regional bands Friday and Saturday nights.
Hours are Monday through Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m., Friday, Saturday 11:30 to 2 a.m., Sunday 11:30 to midnight. (609) 924-7855. Website: triumphbrewing.com.