Morristown's First Brewery goes Viral, Stirs up Controversy

Morristown NJ

09 September, 2021

2:12 PM

Description

Morristown's first and only local craft brewery opened in March of 2021 on 95 Morris Street. The destination has already become popular for its original brews, spaced-out indoor dining, and to-go options in light of COVID-19 restrictions. The new brewery has already gone viral on Instagram after a waitress was stiff on the tip by an angry customer. In April, just a month after opening in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Glenbrook was functioning with a 90-minute dining limit to accommodate all customers while complying with COVID restrictions. One customer wasn't too happy with this dining limit and left a big, capitalized "ZERO" on the tip line along with an unhappy note. While a few sided with the angry customer, there was overwhelming support online for the waitress who lost out on her tip (money waiters count on). As of this point, nearly $2,000 has been raised by concerned citizens in Morristown who saw the nasty note on Instagram. The waitress, who wished to remain anonymous, said she plans to share the money with her fellow employees. And if Instagram fame wasn't enough, Glenbrook is in the spotlight once more as a rival brewery lays plans to open within the next year in Mendham. Backer Farm on Ironia Road, which borders Mendham Township and Mendham Borough, said they plan to open a brewery and "tasting room" in the coming year. This announcement has already been met with criticism from morris county locals. The controversy surrounding Backer Farms comes from what appears to be a land dispute issue. Mendham locals, especially those living on Ironia Rd. on the border of Mendham Township and Mendham Borough have protested the construction of the brewery. Signs stand in protest on lawns throughout the neighborhood. One resident claims that construction vehicles for Backer Brewery trampled her signs protesting the construction and tore up her lawn. Backer Farms said construction has begun on the tasting room which will be open 365 days a year with outdoor entertainment until 11 PM. This announcement was a shock to locals who first learned in July that Backer Farms would be opening a commercial bar in their backyards, turning their quiet street into a bustling bar town. At this point, there is no word on whether construction will stop or how locals on Ironia Rd. plan to fight back against the construction of this commercial bar opening. One thing is for sure, as more breweries open in the Morris County area giving way to more competition, Morris county locals will have to choose where to throw their support. Soon to be two craft breweries within the Morris County area, Glenbrook gets a head start with an early opening and viral Instagram post while Backer Farms struggles to win the support of Mendham locals. More updates on the BATTLE OF THE BREWERIES to come...