Shawn Osburn
12/5/24
It’s an exciting evening as trivia night is about to begin at Maxie’s Brew House in downtown Shippensburg. The brewery offers a view of Burd Street through its large front window, while patrons inside watch sports on the televisions, enjoying food and drinks. Despite the building’s small size, the open layout, along with the seating area at the bar, creates a comfortable setting for gathering. On trivia night, over 25 people crowd into the brewery, filling the seats with lively conversation and friendly competition, making Maxie’s a favored place where the community and craft beer come together.
“The role for Maxie’s Brew House is to be a much-loved brewery in our small town, where guests from all walks of life feel comfortable to enjoy a delicious craft beer with friends or bring the family with a tasty dinner,” Shelly Varner, part-owner of Maxie’s Brew House, said.
Varner and her husband, Ray Robinson, bought Maxie’s Brew House in 2020 from previous owner Craig Hottenstein, a former Shippensburg University alumnus.
They envisioned creating a welcoming environment for locals and visitors alike. Their passion for craft beer is evident not only in their unique flavors but also in the experience they offer. Maxie’s invites patrons to watch the brewing process during their visit and interact with the brewer between steps, creating a connection between the beer-making process and the consumer.
Maxie’s Brew House focuses on more than brewing; they aim to build connections through weekly events and theme nights. Patrons can watch the Monday Night Football broadcast from 3 to 9 p.m. and join trivia nights every Wednesday at 7 p.m. while enjoying $1 wings. Themed nights including Taco Tuesdays with specialty drink offerings and Thirsty Thursdays, and Fridays feature $6 flights of beer.
In addition to these regular events. Maxie’s recently introduced a monthly brunch that has increased in popularity. They have also expanded their event offerings by using a neighboring property for special gatherings that can host birthday parties, graduations, and class reunions.
With the success of Maxie’s Brew House, Varner and Robinson recently opened Knute’s Tap Room, offering a different approach to Maxie’s.
“Knute’s Tap Room is our sister company that offers a totally different atmosphere of relaxed fine dining,” Varner said. “We are heading into our fourth week of business and are very pleased with the positive response from those supporting us. We hope to keep that momentum going and are looking forward to a successful future in downtown Shippensburg,”
Both Varner and Robinson are lifelong residents of Shippensburg and have been involved in the community. Varner has a graphic design and marketing background, while Robinson has a long history of running local businesses. Together, they bring their passion for craft beer and community spirit to Maxie’s.
Beyond the beer, Varner emphasized community involvement. Maxie’s frequently partners with local nonprofit organizations to host fundraisers and special events. One such event, “ Guest Bartenders,” welcomed Mickey and Phyllis Nye, who served behind the bar. The proceeds from this event benefited Shippensburg Produce and Outreach, a nonprofit organization providing food and other assistance to local families.
Varner and Robinsons are optimistic about the future and plan to continue building connections and expanding their businesses.
“We’re thrilled to keep the momentum going at Knute’s and Maxie’s,” Varner said. “We’re always thinking of new ideas to keep things fresh and exciting for our guests.”
With its unique brewing experience, weekly events and family-friendly atmosphere, Maxie’s Brew House aims to support the community through a rich brewing process and by providing consistent opportunities for consumers to socialize and connect.
“When the opportunity came up to purchase Maxie’s, it was meant to be,” Varner said. “We both love craft beer, and we saw this as a chance to give back to our town.”
Maxie’s Brew House104 W Burd St, Shippensburg, PA 17257Phone: (717) 530-2055Hours:
Monday: 3 pm-9 pm
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 3 pm-9 pm
Thursday: 3 pm-9 pm
Friday: 11 am-10 pm
Saturday: 12 pm-10 pm
Sunday: Closed
Knute’s Tap Room15 W King St, Shippensburg, PA 17257Phone: (717) 477-5467Hours:
Monday: 4 pm-9 pm
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 4 pm-9 pm
Friday: 11 am-10 pm
Saturday: 11 am-10 pm
Sunday: 11 am-8 pm
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