Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant is bringing in new leadership to help drive growth.

In a Jan. 28 press release, the Exton, Pa.-based chain named restaurant industry veteran Mark Kirke as chief executive officer. He takes over the post from Chris Westcott, who was appointed CEO in late 2021.

Founded in 1996, Iron Hill is considered one of the most successful restaurant and craft brewery concepts in the U.S. Its footprint of 19 locations includes two spots in New Jersey – Maple Shade and Voorhees.

Kirke brings nearly 30 years of experience to the job. Prior to Iron Hill, he held positions with industry giants such as P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, Shrimp Basket, Hillstone Restaurant Group and Artistry Restaurants.

As CEO, Kirke will tap into his background in full-service multi-unit operations and brand building to help drive Iron Hill’s continued growth and excellence.

Looking ahead, Iron Hill said it is focused on continuing to expand reach, enhancing culinary variety and delivering a vibrant experience for guests. As part of that mission, the brand recently unveiled a new menu featuring craft beer pairings with elevated brewery fare.

Mark Edelson, co-founder and vice president of beer at Iron Hill, said, “We are beyond excited to welcome Mark Kirke to Iron Hill. His track record in driving growth in food and beverage will play a key role in our continued evolution.”

Kirke added, “Iron Hill is an iconic brand with a rich legacy. I’m thrilled to be part of a company that’s so committed to quality and guest experience. With such a strong foundation, I’m looking forward to expansion into new markets and introducing even more fans to Iron Hill’s innovative food, beer, and experience.”

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