Homestead’s Enix Brewery closed and for sale
Homestead’s Enix Brewery is closed, but the refurbished space may not be empty for long.
Enix, which opened in August 2018, was a hybrid brewery and bowling alley. Experienced brewer and restaurateur David Rodriguez brought classic brewing and culinary styles from his native Spain. There was an outdoor patio space, a permanent bandstand which welcomed live music regularly. The bowling alley was upstairs.
Just days into 2020, Enix closed its doors and was listed for sale on ProBrewer, an online shop for professional brewers.
The ad describes the 15-barrel brewhouse as “turn key” and emphases that “EVERYTHING” is being sold to include the liquor license, tables and chairs, and restaurant and brewing equipment.
“There are negotiations ongoing with three separate, interested parties,” Rodriguez said.
Dan Kelly, president of Steel Valley Avenues, a professional association for business-minded folks in the Homestead, West Homestead and Munhall areas, said the ad has garnered interest.
“The ones who are serious enough are all from out of town,” he said.
With over 6,000 views, the ProBrewer ad stated, “Owner is selling this property to explore other opportunities.”
Rodriguez said his family is moving to Chicago for personal and professional reasons.
On the professional end, Rodriguez will be working on projects in the restaurant industry. His wife, Lavinia Oancea, Enix’s former marketing manager, has been offered an opportunity in the travel industry. Personally, the couple has recently welcomed their second child and could use the family support the comes with being near Oancea’s hometown of Chicago.
The sale of Enix and the move from Pittsburgh is bittersweet for the family, he said.
“Almost all of our employees were locals and that part makes me a little bit sad to leave because, even though Chicago is a better opportunity for all of us, I grew to really get close to many of the employees; so, hopefully they come visit,” said Rodriguez.
Kelly, who owns two Homestead businesses and is a resident of West Homestead, knows the local community shares the sentiment.
“We are sad to see them go,” he said. “They invested a lot of money and energy into that beautiful brewery and building. Whoever buys it is getting an absolute steal.”
Abby Mackey is a freelance writer. You can contact Abby at abbyrose.mackey@gmail.com or via Twitter @AnthroAbbyRN.
Abby Mackey is a Tribune-Review contributing writer. You can contact Abby at abbyrose.mackey@gmail.com or via Twitter.
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