Landmark pub closes, purchased by coal company

KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL - The 901 Pub in Foster Township is seen on March 5, 2024.

BUCK RUN – A landmark business in Foster Township has closed, and the building has been purchased by a coal company who previously sought approval for warehouses on its surrounding property.

The marquee outside the 901 Pub on Route 901 at Pleasant Road thanked patrons for 37 years in business.

On the front door, signs noted the restaurant was permanently closed and expressed “tremendous gratitude” for “an incredible journey.”

KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL – Signs indicating the closure of the 901 Pub are posted on the front door.

“We are grateful to everyone that has supported the Burmeister family business,” one of the signs said.

The pub, known for its eccentric outdoor décor recognizing its proximity to the Schuylkill Regional Airport and Big Diamond Speedway, was purchased by the Reading Anthracite Company on Feb. 14, according to the Schuylkill County Parcel Locator.

Late last year, CRG Acquisition, LLC, of Conshohocken, Montgomery County, sought approval for six large warehouses on Reading Anthracite land west of the 901 Pub.

The largest of the proposed warehouses are 1.625 Million square feet, with two 1.14 Million square foot and two 800,000 square foot warehouses proposed as well.

KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL – A dirt modified and the tail of a Bellanca Viking airplane are quite a sight at the 901 Pub on Route 901 in Foster Township. The Schuylkill Regional Airport and Big Diamond Speedway are nearby.

However, the pub may not meet the wrecking ball.

A liquor license transfer application is posted on a dining room window of the pub, seeking a transfer of the liquor license from 901 Pub, LLC to Beers After Brewing Company. The latter shares a principal address with Reading Anthracite’s headquarters.

The pub has been a notable sight along Route 901, with the tail of a Bellanca 17-30A Viking airplane sticking out of its second floor and a dirt modified on the roof of the front vestibule. The race car, numbered 901, for the pub, is the same kind that race at Big Diamond Speedway about four miles away.

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