Downtown York's newest eatery will serve brunch, bistro fare, Pa. spirits and more.
After years of vacancy, 125 North George St. will soon spring back to life and transform the quiet corner of restaurant row into a classy, fun atmosphere featuring coffee, brunch, bistro fare, cocktails and plenty of draft drinks.
When Bill Sierra found the building back in spring of 2023, he looked past the dilapidated interior and saw potential in what the space could be.
Originally from New York, Sierra moved to York during the pandemic. Coming from the world of corporate sales, with a real-estate background, he is well-versed in business and was looking for someone with a concept that could excite him.
That's when he met Shawn Jones, whose energy and passion could be seen from a mile away. His idea was something different for York: a BYOB social club with skill machines, good music and a place to wind down, called The Black Box.
"I liked his attitude, I liked his energy, I liked his passion. I said whether the business model itself is viable or not, I know this guy's got something unique," Sierra said. "He (Shawn) is a man of the community ? he can't go down the block 30 paces without waving to somebody."
He went home that night and spoke to his partner Dana Harrison, who was also on board.
From there, the team launched The Black Box, as a proof of concept. After a few months, they asked themselves, "Did the local market want an establishment in this location that they can hang out in and enjoy?" The answer was an overwhelming yes.
That's when they decided to switch gears and focus on establishing a bigger concept.
George Street Brewing Co. Bar & Bistro
The team of three could see the community wanted a spot serving light, grab and go brunch, quality coffee and espresso beverages, cocktails and more.
Located just down the street from the courthouse, they envisioned a spot that could cater to lawyers, visitors, courthouse employees and more during the day. By night, it will transform into a space perfect for date night, or a fun evening out to enjoy small plates, meat and cheese boards, crab, cocktails and draft champagne.
"We listened to what the community was asking for. They wanted breakfast, espresso, grab-and-go convenience for the morning and the afternoon or conduct a meeting in a space over a coffee or beverage," Sierra said.
It was a collaborative effort from the beginning, with each team member bringing their unique strengths. Sierra aimed to build a place he himself would want to frequent. Jones, well-connected within the community, contributed his previous restaurant experience to the business.
Harrison, a former preschool education teacher, designed the logo, and brought her own style to the space while decorating the interior, which includes hues of black and gold, wood finished bar tops and a grass feature wall which will include a special sign she inspired.
"I wanted to blend the masculine and feminine energies. The space was very industrial and high-end, but it was missing that feminine touch." Harrison added "We all bounced ideas off each other and it organically came together."
Here's what to expect on the menu
The brunch and bistro menu will include bacon, egg and cheese on a biscuit, butter or chocolate croissants, strawberry pomegranate overnight oatmeal, to name a few.
On the menu for lunch, you can choose between a beer mustard pastrami sandwich, tomato with fresh burrata and more. Salads will include a buffalo chicken Ceasar, or one with fresh arugula, feta and apple.
Drip coffee and espresso beverages will be available and made with Italian brand Lavazza. An avid espresso drinker, Sierra believes "Italians do it the best." The Lavazza system will also supply matcha and a variety of teas.
"All three of us agreed that whatever you walk out the door with, it's going to be a quality product," Harrison said.
George Street Brewing Co. will also offer a 12-tap draft brewing system, featuring a wide variety of Pennsylvania spirits including Bluecoat gin, Maggie's Farm, Big Hill Cider, Ponfeigh spirits, Eight Oaks Distillery and more. "It opens the door for nitro brew coffee on tap, sparkling wine and prosecco, beer and cider on tap, and hard seltzers," Sierra said.
"This could not have been done without the right team, the construction crew, to Shawn and Dana ? the credit goes to the team," Sierra said.
North George Street Brewing Co. Bar & Bistro is scheduled to open the first week of July. For more updates on its opening day and hours of operation, follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: George Street Brewing Co. Bar and Bistro will serve brunch and more
