The new owners of 294 N Keswick Avenue, the 25-year home of the former Keswick Tavern, are taking steps towards the forthcoming restaurant and bar named Rooster’s, a tribute to co-owner Matt Moyer’s late father, Dan.
“Rooster was his nickname given to him long before I was born because of his red hair. Our family thought that was the best representation of him,” Moyer said. “He was a big figure in the community, and this is our way to honor his legacy. He would have loved it.”
At present, the kitchen has been gutted, seating and tables have been removed, and the KT signage has been taken down. Construction—a top-to-bottom overhaul—is expected to begin this week.
“It’s a Stove & Co. Restaurant Group project. We’re actually partnering with Chris Magarity, owner of Jasper’s Backyard and an Oreland native. It’s not just our project,” Moyer said.
Ownership is looking at September as a target grand opening.
In the meantime, Moyer, Magarity, along with co-owners Justin Weathers and Joe Monnich are planning a beer garden meet-and-greet celebration before, during, and after the Greater Glenside 4th of July parade.
“We’re going to have beer garden-style seating outside with a large selection of beverages. We’ll also have some giveaways for the kids,” Moyer said.
“It’ll be a great opportunity for people to come and get some drinks and find out a little more about what we’re planning for Rooster’s,” Moyer said.
For Moyer, a Glenside native, Keswick Village resident, and a 2000 graduate of Bishop McDevitt High School in Wyncote, the concept is a dream come true.
“I’m really happy with the decisions we’ve made so far. Our goal is to make it a community-oriented hub,” he said. “Our group has been trying to get into Glenside for years. We finally were able to work with the McKeevers [who owned the Keswick Tavern] and find the perfect location.”
Rooster’s will feature a few additions, including a video wall, expanded indoor and outdoor seating, and longer hours.
“We’re looking at putting together a video wall as a major investment. That way, the Phillies or whatever event will be on one of the most advanced screens you can get,” Moyer said, adding that bar seating will be expanded from 30 to 40, and an additional 40 outdoor seats will be available in the fall or spring.
The menu will see upgrades as well, particularly the beverage side of the business.
“We’re going for classic cocktails with a modern twist, plus 14 different drafts, an eclectic wine list, plenty of affordable domestic beers and a great selection of imports and craft brews,” Moyer said. “The beverage program is a very important part of what we’re doing.”
Rooster’s will be open seven days a week, with lunch at noon, brunch on weekends starting at 11:00am, and late-night entertainment with live music.
The food menu is a work in progress, Moyer said, noting that it will have something for everyone and will most closely resemble Stove & Tap’s brand with its own identity.
“My partners, Joe and Justin, are very talented. We’ll have oysters, wings, a great burger, fish options, chicken dishes, and amazing salads, but we’re still fine-tuning all of those details,” he said.
“We’re really going after service. That’s our most important element. We want everyone to feel comfortable,” he said. “We want to follow in the McKeevers’ footsteps. They’ve been so great in this transition, and it was an emotional turnover.”
The interior’s designer, Balongue Design, has done projects for Stove & Co.’s other locations.
“She really has an eye for it,” Moyer said.
Last but not least, Rooster’s is hiring. You can check out their openings via their website.
We will have more updates this summer. Stay tuned.
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