Lovedraft’s District Manager Joshua Stambaugh (left) and owner Justin Browning at their soon-to-open Broad Street Market stand.
JB Lovedraft’s may be known for its dark vibe and skeleton logo, but business at the rapidly expanding eatery/brewery is anything but scary.
In less than a decade, Lovedraft’s has grown to include three locations, with a fourth coming soon to the Broad Street Market in the new year.
“We’re not very good at sitting still,” said owner Justin Browning. “We’re always brainstorming and thinking of new ideas.”
Browning first opened JB Lovedraft’s Micro Pub in downtown Harrisburg in 2016 and, more recently, opened a Mechanicsburg brewery location and Lovedraft’s Unplugged in York. The business has found a following for its punk rock atmosphere, live music shows and, of course, its craft beer and hearty food.
At the new Lovedraft’s Express, which Browning hopes to open in January, they will grill up their famous burgers, which have won local awards, he explained.
“We load them with toppings and make them look super delicious,” Browning said. “People definitely get their money’s worth.”
The Lovedraft burger is a crowd favorite, topped with bacon, sautéed mushrooms and onions, fried egg, American cheese, lettuce, tomato and house sauce.
Lovedraft’s Express will also offer fries, plain or loaded with toppings, and plenty of beer options from their brewery. The list of brews will rotate and include everything from stouts to sours to lagers. They also plan to add breakfast items to the menu eventually.
Both Browning and Joshua Stambaugh, Lovedraft’s district manager, grew up in Harrisburg and always enjoyed visiting the Broad Street Market, they said. Deciding to open a stand in the market was an easy choice for them.
“To come here, it just felt right,” Browning said. “Everyone here has been really warm to us so far.”
While many small businesses have closed or scaled back operations during the past few years of the pandemic, Lovedraft’s has continually expanded. In fact, business at their Mechanicsburg brewery, which opened in 2021, is several years ahead of where they expected it to be at this point, Browning said.
He credits their success to good financial planning and saving and being able to pivot operations during the pandemic shutdowns. During the height of COVID, Lovedraft’s offered to-go beer and beer deliveries, while also running a food truck.
But, of course, their devoted customers have also kept them afloat.
“Having a loyal following helps as well,” Browning said. “The brand has really carried us.”
With the new market location, Browning hopes not only to provide another spot for fans of Lovedraft’s to grab a bite and brew, but also to introduce a new audience to their offerings.
To him it’s simple, he wants to reach “people that like good food and beer.”
Lovedraft’s Express will be located in the Broad Street Market’s stone building, 1233 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. For more information on Lovedraft’s locations, visit www.jblovedrafts.com or www.lovedraftsbrewing.com.
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