Microbrewery and gastropub planned for Port Jervis

By Anya Tikka
PORT JERVIS — When David Krantz first visited the Upper Delaware Scenic River with his wife two years ago, he admired Port Jervis' beautiful old architecture as he traveled through. The scenery reminded him of his rural origins in South Carolina.

He came back, bringing his friend Sean Donnelly with him. Two years later, their Fox 'N Hare Brewing Company is working to bring a new microbrewery and gastropub downtown.

“We’re trying to achieve an English pub-like atmosphere," said Krantz, which led to the Fox 'N Hare name. "American bars or clubs have a totally different vibe."

They want a place where people can meet and get along with each other, just like the fox and the hare.

“They don’t eat each other in our place," Krantz said. "They’re friends here."

Both Krantz and Donnelly have bought houses in Port Jervis with their families. When 46-48 Front Street went up for tax sale, they approached the city.

The building is in need of extensive repairs, especially the back wall, but plans are going ahead to open both the brewery and gastropub attached to it as soon as possible. Krantz estimated it will take about three years to get it up and running. That's the average time it takes to get a microbrewery going, from inspiration to product, Krantz said.

The pair plans to completely renovate the interior, and to renovate the exterior to resemble more older, more ornate style of many buildings in the neighborhood. They also plan to install special large window treatments.

The brewery will occupy one whole side of the capacious ground floor. Donnelly will oversee the brewery and the restaurant, while Krantz, who currently runs his own production company, will handle advertising and marketing.

Krantz and Donnelly met a few years ago while working at a brewery and "high-volume beer bar" in the city. Donnelly is experienced in brewing beer, having worked in New York City breweries for seven years. He’s already brewing and experimenting with both old and new flavors.

They'll brew both craft and international beers, in traditional and new styles, along with liquors and wine. Donnelly is already working on the brewery’s house beer.

They'll hire a cook whose work they know.

“I’ve been working in restaurants since I was 15, but I’m not a chef," said Donnelly, who is originally from Indianapolis.

The menu will feature local, fresh ingredients from surrounding farmland — "food that you won’t regularly find in a bar, maximizing local ingredients,” Donnelly said. "We’d like to bring in cuisine that’s not in your regular bar menu in the area."

If everything goes to plan, and engineers give the necessary go-ahead, building will start in October.

The two top floors won’t be part of the brewery, Krantz and Donnelly are talking to friends, hoping they'll start a yoga studio or other businesses that complements the area.

Mayor Kelly Decker couldn’t have been more accommodating, Donnelly and Krantz said.

“Without his support, we wouldn’t be here," said Krantz.