$1 million state grant to support expansion of The Creamery of Kennett Square

During the time The Creamery of Kennett Square was first reimagined by Square Roots Collective Initiative founder Mike Bontrager in 2016, it was an abandoned and derelict property along Birch Street, but as many local stakeholders know, when Mike Bontrager conceives of an idea, it eventually becomes a reality.

Over the past several years, thanks to the Square Roots Collective (SRC) team, elected officials and countless volunteers and community support, The Creamery has been transformed into a community asset, where families visit with their children, where live music is heard, and where festivals and public events generously dot its calendar. Its popularity has helped spearhead a reinvestment along Birch Street that has led to the popularity of Braeloch Brewing — a local microbrewery and restaurant - and the 2024 opening of Artelo, a transformed motel that highlights local artists with original artwork in each room, and the start of the Birch Street Restoration Project.

Recently, The Creamery became the recipient of a $1 million state economic development award from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to stabilize the historic structure and expand its ability to serve the needs of the community.

Known as the Main Street Matters Grant, the funding will address structural deficiencies on a vacant portion of the popular beer garden and restaurant. In turn, the infrastructure improvements will likely generate additional revenue to better allow Square Roots Community Initiative – who owns the venue – to fulfill the cornerstone of its mission: to reinvest in the local community through charitable grants and donations.

Read more at the Chester County Press.