Here’s how one southwest IL restaurant and brewery is making a go of it despite COVID-19
As of Black Friday, Old Herald Brewery & Distillery in Collinsville is more than the brewery, distillery and restaurant that patrons have come to know during the last two years. Old Herald is also a holiday market, for now.
Owner Derik Reiser said that Old Herald has followed all COVID restrictions since the beginning because “it’s the right thing to do.” But with the most recent set of restrictions, he had to get creative for the business to continue.
The dining area of Old Herald has been temporarily transformed into a holiday market. Items available for purchase include Old Herald’s Growler gift sets, Growler Club memberships, cocktail kits, new limited releases and house-made sauces, popcorn, pub chips and more.
Other items available at the market include ornaments, crafts and other products from local organizations and fundraising groups. Reiser said he wanted to make the market “fun with unique items,” making the best of the situation with what they have.
The latest set of restrictions went into effect at midnight on Nov. 20. Restaurant and bar restrictions included no indoor dining; no congregating or ordering at bars and stools removed; outdoor dining only with a limit of six per table and tables at least six feet apart. Restaurants and bars cannot open before 6 a.m. and must close by 11 p.m. Reservations are required.
Restaurants were permitted to provide indoor dining in October. Shortly after, the number of COVID-19 cases started to rapidly increase and indoor dining was again banned. The current restrictions are similar to those enacted in August.
Restaurants in the region continue struggling to survive, and some have had to close their doors permanently. Others have chosen to ignore the current restrictions and are offering indoor dining anyway.
Outside dining still available at Old Herald
Old Herald posted a promotional video on its YouTube and Facebook pages featuring some of the products available at the market. The video includes images of Old Herald’s Confluence Blend, Ardent Spirits and cocktail kits and Brooks Catsup Bottle merchandise.
Customers are able to shop in person or online with curbside pick-up. With in-person shopping, tables are socially distanced, and masks will be required. All indoor seating has been removed.
The patio area will remain open for customers to partake in outdoor dining and drinks. The area is set up for tent seating with tableside heaters. Curbside delivery and takeout orders are still available.
While the transformation into a holiday market was not drastic, this is not the first time changes have been made to the space. The current building underwent a $2.8 million top-to-bottom makeover before opening in January 2019.
The building was once home to the Collinsville Herald newspaper. The building’s newspaper history lives in Old Herald Brewery & Distillery. Some of Old Herald’s beverages have newspaper-themed names.
The market’s hours will coincide with Old Herald’s regular business hours. According to Reiser, the market will remain open “as long as it makes sense.”
Old Herald Brewery & Distillery is located at 115 E. Clay St. in Collinsville. Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday-Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. They are closed Mondays. For more information about Old Herald and the holiday market, visit oldheraldbrewing.com or call 618-855-8027.
