GoggleWorks Center for the Arts (GoggleWorks) announces its plans to launch a broad hospitality program, including the grand opening of Belly – Kitchen & Drinkery, on-site catering, a campus-wide liquor license, and special events on the Sly Fox Stage. The program is a partnership between GoggleWorks and the culinary team of Chef Jim Churchman and Bar Manager Dustin Wise, along with craft beer sponsor Sly Fox Brewing Company. “The only way we were able to pull off such an all-encompassing, high quality food initiative was with unassailable partners,” said GoggleWorks executive director Levi Landis. “Chef Churchman and his partner Dustin Wise have been serving delicious meals and creating unique dining experiences for decades.” Churchman and Wise will be operating the new bistro, which will present a modern take on cuisine from America and their travels to Italy, Peru, Vietnam, France, Thailand and beyond.
Churchman said, “Our goal is to create a convivial atmosphere imbued with creativity and genuine sense of hospitality. Along with our new relationship with GoggleWorks, we are proud of our rooted partnerships with select local artisans, farmers, producers, foragers and sustainable purveyors.”
Belly – Kitchen & Drinkery will be headquartered on the ground floor of GoggleWorks, located on Washington Street in downtown Reading. Additionally, Churchman and Wise will be the primary, on-site caterer for the art center’s event rental spaces, which hosts a variety of weddings, programs, and special events.
“Sly Fox will ignite our visitor experience” said Landis. “In addition to serving some of the finest craft beverages to thousands, they have several tasting rooms and restaurants, and host festivals throughout the region.” Sly Fox beers will be featured at the bar, along with wines and cocktails. Sly Fox will also sponsor a stage inside Belly – Kitchen & Drinkery where GoggleWorks will present new performing arts programs, such as live music.
With the new campus-wide liquor license, Sly Fox beverages can be brought into areas throughout the campus, including the Boscov Film Theatre’s daily movie screenings. John Giannopoulos, Managing Partner of Sly Fox said, “We are excited to help launch an immersive environment for appreciating the arts and craft beer in the largest art center in the country. Sly Fox will continue to expand our appreciation for and outreach to the Berks County community.”
Landis expects the program to grow, citing plans for an outdoor seasonal beer garden and culinary classes. He said he is even trying to expand GoggleWorks’ partnership with Lauer’s Park Elementary school to incorporate fresh foods from the nearby student garden. Landis summed up his excitement for the entire project by stating, “Our partners believe in our mission and want to, quite literally, serve the community. With this team in place, GoggleWorks can cultivate a rich, inventive experience for our 250,000 annual guests, pairing deliciously-crafted food and beverages with high-quality art.” Construction and last minute touches are in the works. Stay tuned for our grand opening announcement.
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