New microbrewery to open location in Jeanette, Westmoreland County

Westmoreland County Land Bank recently announced the sale of 500 Clay Avenue in downtown Jeannette to Sobel’s Obscure Brewery, LLC for its new microbrewery location.

Sobel’s Obscure Brewery is a family-owned and operated brewery that was founded in 2012 and has been brewing and distributing bottles and draft since June 2017. The company has distribution contracts for 34 counties across the state of Pennsylvania.

The location will include a tasting room, an on-site brewery and year-round patio seating and will feature a 17-tap lineup featuring company brews as well as other local beer selections, products from wineries and distilleries. The location will host live entertainment and weekend food trucks.

“By opening a brewery and Tasting Room in Jeannette, we think our goal of local brand recognition will be achieved,” Chief Operations Officer Jackie Sobel said.

The Land Bank acquired the 12,000-square foot structure in 2017 and used foundation dollars to make improvements including roof and window repairs. Recently, the Land Bank acquired an adjoining structure and lot to aid in the expansion needs of the brewery.

“The Land Bank had been instrumental in getting the deal done,” Jeannette Mayor Curtis Antoniak said. “The city is very fortunate to have such a great working relationship. We are very excited for the new plans for the former Gillespie Building; it is one of several developments that will continue to spark life into our community.”

Sobel’s Obscure Brewery worked with St. Vincent’s Small Business Development Center to develop
its business plan.

“The growth of the craft brewing industry within Westmoreland County has been a plus for economic development,” Tim Bates, a business analyst for the center, said. “It has been a wonderful experience working with the entrepreneurial-minded Sobel family on developing and implementing their business plan.”