Listen to this articleThe basics:
- Iron Hill Brewery abruptly closed all locations before filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy
- Pa. attorney general urges customers to dispute unused gift cards
- Iron Hill owes more than $20M to creditors with $125K in cash
- +100 NJ workers laid off; class action probe underway
Following the abrupt closure of all Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant locations across the Philadelphia region late last month, authorities said customers who bought unused gift cards to the now-bankrupt chain should dispute the purchases with their credit card companies.
Additionally, they should also consider filing a complaint with the state’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday said in an Oct. 8 press release.
“The sudden closure of this popular chain of restaurants has left Pennsylvanians with questions and concerns about gift cards and rewards balances. We will continue to track developments in this matter on behalf of impacted consumers. For the time being, we are advising consumers to seek refunds from their credit card companies regarding gift card purchases,” Sunday said.
Consumers who are unable to redeem Iron Hill gift cards and rewards can submit a complaint by calling 717-787-3391 or clicking here.
Sunday’s statement comes in the wake of the Exton, Pa.-based chain’s filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in New Jersey. The petition came just a few days after Iron Hill closed its remaining 16 outposts.
In a Sept. 25 social media post, Iron Hill did not explain why the restaurants went dark. However it thanked customers for their “support, friendship and loyalty over the years” and said that it hopes “to return in the future.”
Last call
Founded in 1996, Iron Hill became one of the most well-known restaurant and craft brewery concepts in the U.S. Its footprint included Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Georgia.
Filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy enables a company to reorganize and possibly remain open. Because Iron Hill filed for Chapter 7, the company is expected to sell all non-exempt assets to pay creditors. A complete dissolution of the business is also anticipated.
According to court documents, Iron Hill owes more than $20 million to creditors and has about $125,000 in available cash.
Earlier in September, the business shuttered sites in Voorhees, as well as in Newark, Del., and Philadelphia as part of “ongoing efforts to adapt to a changing business landscape,” Iron Hill said at the time. After that, the brand had one restaurant left in New Jersey (Maple Shade).
CEO Mark Kirke described that decision as difficult. He said, “We are evolving, strengthening our brand and positioning Iron Hill for long-term success.” The restaurant industry veteran took the helm of Iron Hill about eight months ago and succeeded Christ Westcott, the company’s CEO since late 2021.
As a result of the shutdowns in Maple Shade and Voorhees, Iron Hill let go of 108 employees in New Jersey, according to a notice with the State Department of Labor & Workforce Development.
Have an Iron Hill gift card?
Consumers who are unable to redeem Iron Hill gift cards and rewards can submit a complaint by calling 717-787-3391 or by clicking here.
It’s unknown how many Iron Hill workers lost their jobs in Pennsylvania because notices were not filed with the state adverting layoffs or closings.
At least one law firm says it is investigating a potential class action lawsuit over the closures.
“On Sept.r 25, 2025, Iron Hill announced that it was permanently closing all of its locations effective immediately. Among other things, the WARN Act requires businesses to provide 60 days’ notice prior to engaging in mass layoffs,” Sauder Schelkopf Attorneys at Law said on its website. “If Iron Hill’s actions are found to violate the WARN Act, it could entitle workers to back pay and benefits for up to 60 days.”
