Old Herald’s new partner bringing ‘slightly elevated’ fare to Collinsville
Old Herald Brewery & Distillery in Collinsville is making a comeback this summer as a new partner takes the reins of the restaurant and venue space.
The Press House @ Old Herald will be run by Jennifer James and is slated to launch in mid-August, said Old Herald owner Derik Reiser.
The food provided by The Press House will take the place “back to where Old Herald started food-wise,” said Reiser.
The new menu offerings consist of “slightly elevated” versions of American-style cuisine that people are familiar with, said James.
There will be burgers and sandwiches, comfort foods, dishes with baked chicken and brisket. What makes the fare different are the ways the kitchen incorporates its own additions to elevate these dishes.
And yes, there will be vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.
“We’re very excited,” said James. “All of our food will be fresh, made in-house.”
During the first few months, the goal is to focus on providing great service and great food, said James. Later, The Press House will start to introduce off-menu specials and eventually hold special dinner events featuring five- and seven-course dinners with drink pairings.
As far as beverages go, Old Herald’s beer and spirits will still be offered, but patrons will have more options. The Press House is a separate entity and will have its own liquor license, so other adult beverages will be available, including mainstream beer brands, wines and other spirits.
Folks will be able to check out the new menu when Old Herald’s WSIE Music Series resumes on Saturday, July 26, with tunes by The Hard Bop Messengers. The Press House will feature a preview of about half of the new menu, according to Reiser.
The menu preview will continue during the music series the first two weekends in August, said James.
The full menu will make its debut when The Press House @ Old Herald opens on either Aug. 14 or Aug. 21. James confirmed that opening day will be on a Thursday.
A setback leads to new opportunities
Reiser had plans to launch a new food partnership in May, but it fell through. The business stayed open Thursday through Saturday in June, offering live music events, drink specials and food by Red Top BBQ & Chili.
“Hats off to Larry and Melissa [Gilmore] at Red Top,” said Reiser, crediting them for being able to provide food to guests.
“It’s been brutal,” he said. “It’s been tough” not being able to offer the full restaurant experience.
Reiser was publicly open about pursuing a new partnership and invited interested operators to get in touch. The task was daunting, he said, but James brings experience in the corporate end of the restaurant business to the new partnership.
Specifically, James’ worked in heavy operations, coaching businesses on how to run their businesses, teaching them about maintaining standards and how to fix issues. She spent the past five years working with franchises.
Other experience includes working with her family to provide catering services in the Edwardsville area. Catering services included weddings, church functions and school events. Everything was based on customer needs and by request, she said.
The Press House @ Old Herald will be a family business. James’ son, Brendan, is in the culinary trade. He put together a starter menu, developing his own food concepts and recipes, and will fill the role of kitchen manager.
Two chefs will be hired and provided the opportunity to put their own stamps on the business.
“The kitchen needs a little bit of work,” said Reiser, adding that when the previous partner left, they took their equipment with them. “The tweaks are really about matching up equipment with the menu.”
James said the kitchen will be lined out and set up over the next two weeks.
“Things will go fast after that,” she said.
Not only did The Press House take over the kitchen at Old Herald, they’re taking over the venue spaces and The Sports Page, a bar/pub offering a lunch menu in a quieter atmosphere where all are welcome.
“I’m excited to be in the area … to support clubs and organizations,” said James, who is happy to offer them event spaces and services to provide “a nice experience that most adults don’t [usually] get to have.”
“Derik’s built a great place,” she said. “The space is just so much more than a general restaurant.”
“We want this to be a unique destination” that stands on its own, said Reiser. “We’ll show people what we’ve got to offer.”
About The Press House @ Old Herald
The Press House @ Old Herald is located at 115 E. Clay St. in Collinsville. Tentative hours of operation will be 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (brunch) and 3-7 p.m. Sunday (specials only menu for dinner).
For more information about Old Herald Brewery & Distillery and updates about The Press House @ Old Herald, visit facebook.com/oldherald.
