VK Brewing Co. & Eatery is a veteran-owned brewery, taproom, and restaurant located at the historic Ship Inn building in Exton, PA. We feature hand-crafted beer brewed on-site, craft cocktails, a full bar, and a menu of delicious comfort food in a friendly atmosphere. Our team is committed to making great drinks and great food so you can have a great time every time you visit us.
Our Founders
We are Jason Van Keuren and Najib Abiaad and we are VK Brewing!
Jason Van Keuren
Jason grew up near Allentown, PA, and after graduating high school, he enlisted in the US Navy where he spent years working for the Navy Intelligence division in computer security. 5It was at a Navy base in Europe where Jason got his first taste for craft beer. 6In 2000, Jason was honorably discharged from the Navy and moved back to the Philadelphia area. 7In 2017, Jason began brewing beer as a hobby but it soon turned into a passion. His basement was converted into a small brewery with an eight-tap kegerator. 9On Halloween, you can still find Jason in the driveway handing out candy to children and serving his latest beers to the adults.
Najib Abiaad
Najib grew up in the Poconos area where he spent his childhood in a kitchen surrounded by his family. 11His passion for cooking stems from his Lebanese roots and the long line of chefs on both sides of his family. He spent significant time at his uncle’s bar and restaurant where he got his first taste of the industry. By age 17, Najib became an apprentice in the pizza industry and by 20, he was a co-owner of his first pizzeria. For 15 years, he dedicated himself to building a successful business and becoming a pillar in his community. In 2021, Najib decided to transition from his partnership to pursue a new spark for high-quality food and beer.
The Partnership
In 2021, Jason and Najib met at a neighborhood party where Jason was serving his beer. They hit it off immediately and a spark ignited for the two to work together. 18Both are meticulous about their craft and aim to create a family-friendly environment a home away from home where people can gather and enjoy a hand-crafted beer paired perfectly with a delicious meal.
Our Amazing Leadership Team
Jenna Abiaad
Front of House Manager
Jenna plays a vital role in the management and heart of VK Brewing Co. & Eatery. She brings a wealth of experience in hospitality and customer service, ensuring that every guest feels like part of the family from the moment they walk through the doors. Jenna is dedicated to maintaining the high standards of our friendly atmosphere and oversees the daily operations that make our brewpub a community favorite.
The Historic Ship Inn Building
Built in 1796
The home of VK Brewing in Exton is the historic Ship Inn building, a landmark that has stood for over two centuries. Originally constructed in 1796, this building has served as a center for hospitality in Chester County for generations. We have worked hard to preserve the historic character of the stone walls and classic architecture while modernizing the interior to house our state-of-the-art brewing system. When you dine with us, you are not just enjoying a meal; you are becoming part of a long history of community gatherings on East Lincoln Highway.
Easy Steps Plan Your Visit to VK Brewing
Choose Your Location
Decide whether Exton or Honey Brook fits your plans best.
Check Menus & Events
Browse our menus and events for the latest drafts, food and happenings.
Bring Your People & Enjoy
Invite your family, friends and coworkers to Meet you there.
Frequently Asked Questions
What inspired the founders to start VK Brewing Co. & Eatery?
The brewery was born out of a shared passion for high quality craft and community hospitality between Jason and Najib. Jason discovered his love for craft beer while serving in the Navy in Europe and began homebrewing as a hobby in his basement. Najib brought years of culinary expertise from his Lebanese roots and pizza industry background to create a destination where great beer meets gourmet food.
How does being a veteran owned business influence the brewery culture?
Jason’s military background in the Navy Intelligence division instilled a sense of discipline and meticulous attention to detail that carries over into our brewing process. We take great pride in our service to the country and bring those same values of hard work and integrity to our daily operations. Our team strives to create a respectful and welcoming environment for fellow veterans and all members of the local community.
What role does Jenna Abiaad play in the leadership of the brewery?
Jenna is a core member of our leadership team who focuses on the guest experience and the daily management of the front of house operations. She ensures that the staff maintains our signature friendly atmosphere while coordinating with the kitchen and brewery teams to keep everything running smoothly. Her commitment to hospitality is a major reason why many of our guests consider VK Brewing to be their home away from home.
What is the history of the building that houses the Exton brewpub?
Our Exton location is situated in the historic Ship Inn building which was originally constructed back in 1796. This iconic stone structure has served the Chester County area for over two hundred years and provides a unique atmosphere that blends traditional charm with modern brewery life. We are honored to be the current stewards of this landmark and have carefully maintained its historic feel for all our visitors to enjoy.
What does the VK in the brewery name represent for the company?
The VK in our name stands for Van Keuren, which is the surname of our co founder Jason who started the initial brewing journey in his basement. It serves as a reminder of the humble beginnings of the brand when Jason was serving his creations to neighbors in his driveway during Halloween. The name represents our commitment to family and the personal touch that goes into every single batch of beer we brew on site.
How does the brewery involve the local community in its operations?
We view our brewery as a community hub where neighbors can gather for events like trivia nights, live music, and seasonal celebrations. The founders have a long history of being pillars in the local area and we continue that tradition by supporting local events and providing a family friendly space. We also prioritize hiring local staff and sourcing ingredients from regional partners whenever possible to help the local economy thrive.
Why did the owners choose to expand into the Honey Brook area?
The expansion to the Fairway Taphouse at The Golf Zone allowed us to bring our signature craft beers to a new audience in a high energy environment. We saw an opportunity to pair our locally brewed beverages with the family activities like mini golf and bowling that were already established in Honey Brook. This second location helps us fulfill our mission of making great beer and food accessible to more families throughout the Chester County region.
