meet the team

Ed Janiak

Owner, President, and Head Brewer

Richard Foard 

Owner, Chief of Operations

Cheers to Ed, the master brewer! As a passionate brewer, Ed has been delighting friends and family with incredible, award-winning brews for many years and is now ready to share that extraordinary talent with the New Freedom PA community. Don't miss out on tasting these exceptional beers! Ed is also pursuing his Cicerone Certification and Beer Judge Certification Program, ensuring his creations are top-notch. Join the brew-tiful journey!

Ed has won numerous awards in local and regional home-brewing competitions, especially for his barrel aged Belgian-style sour beers. Most recently, he has brewed for a local farm brewery to hone his craft specifically in the commercial craft brewing industry. 

An exciting new chapter! After a 30-plus-year career in business and construction, Rich combined his professional skills with his longtime passion for craft beer. Leaning on his construction and business expertise, he led the brewery and taproom design project from concept to creation. Cheers to new beginnings!

Rich was eager to help bring award-winning, home-brewed beer to the thirsty masses, and was motivated by the chance to become an integral part of the community of New Freedom PA. Inspired by the area’s deep history of manufacturing and production, Rich set out to create a unique combination of the old industrial feel with a modern brewery aesthetic. His expertise and dedication led to the effort that transformed what was once an abstract thought into what is now the home of Vortex Brewing Company.

our mission

Raise a glass to quality. Vortex Brewing Company & Restaurant’s mission is to become a recognized local and regional brewery serving amazing food delivered with excitement and enthusiasm. A commitment to craftsmanship, originality, and education is paramount in providing a unique experience for beer lovers, beer beginners, and of course food enthusiasts. We envision our taproom becoming a destination and gathering place for family, friends, and neighbors in the New Freedom and surrounding communities of Pennsylvania and Maryland. Please join us on this journey.

excellent taste

finest ingredients

maximum enjoyment

high-quality beer

Testimonials from happy guests

"Vortex is the best brewery in the area. The selection is fantastic and there’s something for everyone. Beer geeks, seltzer drinkers, cocktail drinkers, and even homemade root beer for the kiddos and DDs. The homemade pizza is also insanely delicious."

- molly

"a month ago I was happy to finally check out the newest brewery to the area. Nice variety on tap from lagers to ipas to stouts. As well as hard seltzers, so there's honestly something for everyone. Their Czech Pilsner is spot on. I really enjoyed that. And their Pennsy Pale Ale is quite good, too. I love the atmosphere there."

- LUKE

"First time here after checking out some trains. Had a few brews, all fantastic. Also had one of the house made pizzas. The Meat Pizza was delicious! House made red sauce, pepperoni, pulled pork, ham, sausage, and smoked top round. Staff was very friendly and the atmosphere is really laid back. Definitely recommend and I'll be back for sure!"

- MATT

"I went to The Vortex for the first time today and have nothing but great things to say about this brewery. First off, the beer is OUTSTANDING. This was the first time I ever enjoyed a dark beer. I normally dislike dark beers but the dark and mild was awesome!!"

- Sarah

"Excellent place for family and friends to gather. Pizza is first rate. Nice selection of beers. Friendly and attentive staff. Great atmosphere and the live entertainment was AWESOME!!!"

- FREDY

The Vortex Brewing Company is dedicated to my youngest son, Jake, who was taken from the world too soon at 19 years old. Jake’s love for family and friends, deep connection to animals, and genuine compassion for those marginalized in the world continue to inspire me to be a better person. After years of working through the grief and pain in the wake of his passing in 2015, I decided to pursue my lifelong dream of opening a brewery. 

In honor of Jake, I am committed to sharing my passion as Jake did, and show my son, Zach, and my daughter, Jen, that you are never too old to make your dreams come true. I know Jake would be proud, and I can even hear his resounding “h*ll yeah!” of approval. Life was never meant to be easy – and for a lot of us it can feel bittersweet – but the only way to really live is to keep moving forward. 

to jake,
my youngest son.

A note from ed

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