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New Jersey’s Craft Scene Gets a Major Spark: Emberside Brewery Is Opening This Fall

The Garden State’s craft brewing community is preparing for a powerhouse addition. Emberside Brewery is slated to open its doors in November 2026, setting up shop at The District at The Park in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey. Combining deep roots in brewing supply history with heavyweight industry talent, Emberside aims to become a premier destination for beer lovers and casual gatherers alike.

A Century in the Making

While Emberside is a fresh brand, the foundation beneath it spans five generations. Founded by the Connell family—whose commodity roots trace back to supplying rice to major breweries over decades—the brewery represents a full-circle evolution from raw ingredients to finished pour.

Situated within The Park’s sprawling 185-acre mixed-use development, Emberside joins a vibrant neighborhood hub right alongside venues like District Garden and Rosa Azul Taqueria.

Heavyweight Brewing Leadership

Leading operations and recipe design is Tom Nielsen, who joined as Director of Brewery Operations. A 20-year veteran of the craft beer world, Nielsen spent two decades at Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., where he helped pioneer groundbreaking brewing techniques and helped develop flagship staples like Hazy Little Thing, Torpedo Ale, and Hop Hunter IPA.

Nielsen’s deep expertise in hop varietals and raw-material innovation will shape a balanced, dynamic tap list:

Hop-Forward IPAs: Modern hazy and West Coast-style profiles driven by advanced hop selection.
Crisp, Classic Lagers: Clean, traditional European and American-style lagers engineered for sessionability.
Small-Batch Experimentation: Rotating seasonal beers, malt-driven ales, and barrel-aged projects tailored to local palates.

The Taproom Experience

True to its name, Emberside is designed around the idea of gathering by the fire. The taproom combines an industrial aesthetic with warm, communal seating, outdoor spaces, and direct pairing options from neighboring culinary spots. Whether stopping in for a post-work pint or settling in for an evening flight, the space is built to encourage community connection.

Quick Details:

Location: 800 District Drive, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922
www.tableandbanterhospitality.com
Target Opening: Fall / November 2026
www.tableandbanterhospitality.com
Social & Updates: @embersidebrewery / embersidebrewery.com