By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor

For almost a decade, Pennsauken’s Megan Hilbert has run Red’s Rolling Restaurant, very successful food trucks that serve customers all over South Jersey. She’s expanded her business by taking over the highly popular Eclipse Brewing in Merchantville. Originally opened by husband-and-wife team, Chris and Beth Mattern, in 2016, Eclipse has become a go-to spot for beer loving locals. Hilbert is extremely excited about continuing that proud tradition and having a unique space for hospitality right in the community she calls home.

“I grew up here, so this is super local,” said Hilbert, a member of Pennsauken High School’s Class of 2014. “I’ve always been a bartender, so I love the industry in general. I always wanted to have a venue, and I love doing events. So, in my mind, a place like Eclipse was always the next step.”

Megan learned about the availability of the brewery during a jog.

“I jog on the bike path behind Eclipse Brewing a lot. And Chris and I know each other because of the food trucks,” explained Hilbert. “We were just talking, and he was like, ‘You know, I’m getting older, and I think I might retire soon.’ I told him that if he was selling, I was interested. So, it kind of all fell into place.”

Hilbert has spent the last few months renovating the tasting room, as well as an upstairs space that will be available to rent for private events. Outside, work is being done to enhance the patio space. She’s had some help from her father Jim, owner of JD Hilbert Construction, which was based in Pennsauken for many years.

“Dad’s awesome. He had a lot of great ideas,” said Hilbert. “I couldn’t have done this without his help.”

With the new Eclipse, Megan looks to appeal to the younger families moving into the neighborhood from places like Philadelphia, while still respecting what brought past patrons to the brewery.

“I wanted to spruce up the place, making it a little more modern,” explained Hilbert. “We have the same name, same staff, same beer. With the rebranding, I just wanted to make this place my own. But we want the regulars to keep coming too. A lot of people love their coconut cream ale, their blackberry sours, and things like that. I don’t want to make anyone upset by taking anything away.”

Hilbert also talked about adding seltzers to the menu for non-beer drinkers. There is the possibility of making non-alcoholic beers, but that would be further down the road. But for those that may have been worried, one specific item is absolutely staying.

“A lot of people love the root beer,” said Hilbert. “We’re going to keep that.”

Brewers Mike Basner and Sam Gregor are already hard at work to get ready for the grand re-opening, which is most likely later this month. Familiar events like trivia nights and fishing group meetups will be returning to Eclipse, with some new activities sprinkled in, like a paint and sip.  

“I’m super excited. I’m going to be partnering with local restaurants and other small businesses,” said Hilbert. “I really want to make this a place where people come to get their talents out there. I want Eclipse to be a gathering spot for more than just the beer. It’s going to be cool.”

For updates on Eclipse Brewing’s reopening, visit EclipseBrewingNJ.com or follow their official social media channels.