Headline: Marlton Pike / Merchantville — Eclipse Brewing Reopens Under New Local Ownership, Adds Second Floor and a Fresh Remodel That Boosts Downtown
Category: Marlton Pike; Merchantville; Camden County
If you drive Marlton Pike (Route 70) west toward Camden County or swing off I‑295 for a quick night out, Merchantville’s downtown just got a reason to pull over. Eclipse Brewing — the small but growing Jersey craft brand that set up shop on Merchantville’s Maple Avenue — has officially reopened under new local ownership, with a full interior remodel and an expanded second‑floor taproom that gives the borough another community gathering spot.
Why this matters to people who live, work, and commute along the Marlton Pike / I‑295 corridor
– Convenience: The taproom sits in Merchantville’s walkable downtown, an easy drive from Route 70 (Marlton Pike) and a short hop from I‑295. That makes it a practical stop for commuters or families looking for something close to home without a long drive into Philadelphia or Cherry Hill.
– Economic spillover: A refreshed, expanded destination brings foot traffic to neighboring restaurants, shops and service businesses on Maple Avenue. Small downtowns like Merchantville rely on anchors that encourage patrons to linger — and breweries do that well.
– Neighborhood revitalization: The reuse and expansion of the building — including a new second‑floor seating area — follows a trend seen across South Jersey, where craft breweries often serve as catalysts for downtown activation and modest redevelopment (see coverage of local business growth on NJ.com and Patch for context).
What’s changed at Eclipse
– New ownership: A local owner has taken over operations and overseen the remodel. The emphasis appears to be on creating a welcoming, community‑oriented taproom while keeping a focus on an approachable beer selection.
– Bigger footprint: The biggest visible change is the second‑floor expansion. Adding upstairs seating not only increases capacity but creates a more flexible space for events, private gatherings, or shows — something nearby merchants and resident groups can use.
– Remodel and refresh: The interior was renovated for a cleaner, brighter, more modern taproom experience. Early community response on platforms like Yelp points to appreciation for the updated look and the friendly staff; reviewers also note that the extra seating has improved comfort during peak times.
Location and neighborhood context
Google Maps places Eclipse in Merchantville’s compact downtown on West Maple Avenue — a few blocks of locally owned eateries, boutiques, and personal service businesses. The borough, in Camden County, is known for its small‑town feel and walkability; that’s strengthened when a business like Eclipse invests in more space and a longer‑term presence.
From the standpoint of development trends, this is typical of what you’re seeing across Marlton Pike and nearby downtown corridors: modest, targeted reinvestments rather than big box redevelopment. Merchantville’s Main Street benefits when destinations draw visitors who then spend in multiple storefronts, and breweries have become effective anchors for that pattern of growth.
What locals are saying
Community sentiment on review sites and local feeds is generally positive: residents welcome the upgraded room, the increased seating, and the ability to host friends and family in a refreshed space. The most common caveats people mention when new downtown spots open are parking and weekend crowding — variables that the borough and business owners often manage with staggered hours and neighborhood communication.
A few quick practical notes
– If you’re coming from I‑295 or Marlton Pike, the spot is a short drive into Merchantville’s downtown; Google Maps is the best live guide for traffic and parking.
– Hours, tap lists and events change — check Eclipse’s social media or Yelp for the latest. Local groups often use the second floor for private events and fundraisers, which makes the taproom a community asset beyond beer sales.
Bottom line
Eclipse Brewing’s reopening under local ownership and with an expanded, remodeled space is a small but meaningful win for Merchantville and the Marlton Pike corridor. It strengthens Maple Avenue’s downtown appeal, creates opportunities for local events, and helps capture economic activity that might otherwise flow to larger shopping centers off Route 70. For folks who live along I‑295 and take the Marlton Pike corridor, it’s the kind of neighborhood investment that makes daily life a little more interesting — and a good excuse to explore Merchantville’s downtown businesses.
For up‑to‑date directions and hours, check Google Maps and Yelp, and follow local coverage on NJ.com and Patch for broader trends in Camden County small‑business revitalization. If you swing by, tell them 295Times sent you and let us know how the new upstairs looks.
