The V-Spot – 10 questions for 10 years in Scranton with co-owner Vinnie Archer
In mid-November, The V-Spot turned 10 years old, a major milestone for any small business, but they didn’t really get the chance to celebrate. Already operating at 50 percent capacity due to COVID-19 regulations, the popular North Scranton watering hole was one of many Pennsylvania bars and restaurants forced to close on Thanksgiving Eve, the […]
VIDEO: Backyard Ale House in Scranton talks about real impact of COVID-19 on bars and restaurants
This week’s news that Governor Tom Wolf will allow Pennsylvania bars and restaurants to reopen at 50 percent capacity on Jan. 4 was welcomed after the latest shutdown led to another difficult month for the industry, but being able to welcome customers back inside again doesn’t mean their problems are over. The true impact of […]
Pa. Liquor Board grants $2 million to produce and promote local beers and wines in 2021
From a press release: Last month, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board approved grants totaling $2,016,699.35 for 18 projects to increase the production of Pennsylvania-made malt and brewed beverages and enhance the Pennsylvania beer industry through promotion, marketing, and research-based programs and projects, and to enhance the Pennsylvania wine industry and increase production of Pennsylvania-made wines. […]
Why being stuck at home, unable to hang out in cafes and bars, can drain creativity
While the pandemic has caused thousands of small businesses to temporarily close or shutter for good, the disappearance of the corner coffee shop means more than lost wages. It also represents a collective loss of creativity. Researchers have shown how creative thinking can be cultivated by simple habits like exercise, sleep, and reading. But another […]
BEER REVIEW: Project Happy Hole-idayz, brewed with Sheetz donut holes by Wicked Weed Brewing
Just for the holiday season, Altoona-based convenience store chain Sheetz partnered with Wicked Weed Brewing Company in North Carolina to produce a limited edition beer called Project Happy Hole-idayz that was brewed with Shweetz Glazed Vanilla Donut Holes. Four packs of 16-ounce cans are only $7.99 at select Sheetz locations, and once they’re sold out, […]
Gov. Wolf shuts down bars, restaurants, indoor entertainment, and more from Dec. 12-Jan. 4
From a press release: As COVID-19 cases continue to rise and hospitals fill up, Governor Tom Wolf and Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine told Pennsylvanians to take the next three weeks and “stand united against the virus” by adhering to existing mitigation orders and stricter efforts announced today. “Today I am announcing additional, temporary […]
Backyard Ale House in Scranton offers free Christmas breakfast for struggling families on Dec. 25
From a press release: This holiday season will be particularly tough for many families, so the Backyard Ale House in downtown Scranton is offering a free Christmas breakfast on Friday, Dec. 25 from 9 a.m.-11 a.m. For 11 years, Backyard Chef James Bodnar has volunteered on Christmas morning at the University of Scranton, and it […]
Sheetz releases vanilla donut hole beer in NEPA stores in limited quantities on Nov. 27
From a press release: This week, Sheetz announced a limited edition craft beer brewed with Shweetz Glazed Vanilla Donut Holes. Dubbed “Project Happy Hole-idayz,” this first-ever beer was brewed in partnership with Wicked Weed Brewing Company and will be released this weekend. Brewed with one pound per barrel of the brand’s vanilla doughnut holes, the […]
Alcohol sales must end at 5 p.m. on Pennsylvania’s biggest drinking night of the year, Gov. Wolf orders
From a press release: With new modeling projecting 22,000 new COVID-19 cases per day in Pennsylvania in December, Governor Tom Wolf and Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine announced new targeted mitigation measures today to help stop the spread during this critical time. These include a robust enforcement plan targeted at “chronic violators,” along with […]
Fine Wine & Good Spirits offers tips for safer holiday shopping during COVID-19
From a press release: The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board has urged Fine Wine & Good Spirits customers to create a plan to shop for wines and spirits before the upcoming holidays, particularly after COVID-19 drove record liquor sales across the state. “November and December are typically the busiest months of the year in Fine Wine […]
