Construction continues inside the old Go Fish shop on Penn Avenue in West Reading, as a group of entrepreneurs prep for a planned March opening.
"It's been a wild journey, man." said Josue Matos, co-owner of 'Beer Wall'. "A lot of ups and downs, a lot of long nights, a lot of stressful nights, but it's all coming together."
They said the Beer Wall on Penn will be the first of its kind in the state.
"The self-serve technology is pretty big and moving around from place to place, especially where the craft beer scene is right now," explained Benjamin Hinkel, the Beer Wall's head chef. "In California and Colorado, there's a few, but around here, there's nothing really like it."
Customers can also expect some uncommon menu items.
"I have wild boar. I have some duck," Hinkel said.
In addition to the unique food, there will also be old-school entertainment.
"Not only can I have some great craft beer, but I can turn around and have fun for a couple hours, playing some old coin arcade games," said Hinkel.
The Beer Wall joins West Reading Motor Club, B2 Bistro + Bar, and a new Sly Fox Brewing Company location as signs of ongoing, rapid growth in the neighborhood.
"Especially when it's young people coming into our neighborhood," said Tina Shenk, owner of Tina's Salon & Spa and head of 'Love West Reading.' "It's just great to attract a whole new clientele. It's great to attract more people to our area, which will support other businesses."
Shenk said the changes spell more growth for the local economy.
"There's lots of exciting things happening," she said. "There's many people that are investing big dollars in our community."
