New Bar Coming To Havertown BBQ Joint As Their Former Vendor Faces Legal Issues

HAVERTOWN, PA — Sophie's BBQ is getting a new business to operate their bar as the owners of their former affiliate face mounting legal troubles.

When Sophie's BBQ moved from Ardmore to Havertown, they brought in Four Birds Distilling to run the restaurant's bar. But that three-year partnership has ended — Monday was Four Birds' last day at the acclaimed barbecue joint.

Sophie's is securing a "massive new partnership" to take over the bar, says owner and chef Greg Herman.

Herman wasn't quite ready to announce which business is coming in, but he expects them to arrive within the next couple months.

"People are definitely going to be excited for a much more popular and diverse beer selection than what we've had," Herman said. "We'll still have all sorts of really great craft cocktails but with a more prominent beer partner."

But Four Birds' beer selection may be the least of their worries.

Bald Birds Brewing Company — the sister company of Four Birds — has faced mounting business troubles. Founded by husband and wife Joe and Abby Feerrar, both companies share the same flagship location in the central Pennsylvania town of Jersey Shore.

Over the past year, the Pennsylvania Labor Department recently intervened after dozens of employees accused Bald Birds of wage theft.

Following a state investigation, Bald Birds paid nearly $600,000 in unpaid wages and damages to more than 100 employees at its taprooms in Jersey Shore and Montgomery County. The company has also been accused in lawsuits of failing to pay rent.

None of the allegations relate to Four Birds in Havertown.

In recent months, Bald Birds closed its Montco establishments in King of Prussia and Audubon. Now, Four Birds and Bald Birds only have the Jersey Shore spot.

Four Birds didn't respond to Patch's email. Patch called the business, but a representative said the owners weren't available for comment.

In the meantime, Sophie's BBQ is not serving alcohol. Herman estimates that the restaurant will be BYOB for the next six to eight weeks, until the new partner takes over the bar.

Sophie's BBQ is located at 1901 Darby Road, Havertown.