EASTON, Pa. — Following 35 years of pulling perfect pints, the Porter brothers are passing their pub off to a new generation.
But rest easy, as they’re trusted confidants who hold a deep connection with the beloved bar.
Larry, Ken and Jeff Porter have confirmed the sale of Porters’ Pub, an Easton institution for 3 1/2 decades, to Ryan and Christine Piper, a couple who originally met while working there.
Known as a hallmark of the food and drink scene in the city, Porters' has welcomed and fostered the growth and change of the community since its inception.
The brothers were an integral part of Easton's revitalization effort since the start, when they transformed their spot at 700 Northampton St. into a landmark.
“The pub is very endearing to us, and so our number one priority is to continue the legacy that the brothers have built. And we feel really blessed that they've passed the torch to us."Christine Piper, new co-owner of Porters' Pub
“We've done it for 35 years and we've been successful at it,” Larry Porter said while enjoying a Troegs Double Nugget Nectar at the bar.
“We're three brothers; we've been working together for 35 years, and we all love each other to death. And we want to, we want to keep that — that needs to transcend business, right?
"So after 35 years, it was just time that we moved on.”
While Larry Porter and his brothers say they don’t like to brag or boast, they will acknowledge, “we were part of the engine that made the revitalization happen,” and fondly remember the strong community ties that helped launch the city forward.
“Easton has always been a grassroots community, where the business owners all help each other out," Porter said.
"I mean, I remember one of our first years of business on St. Patrick's Day, we ran out of gas to run the draft system. And another bar owner down the street brought us a tank of gas so we could keep going.
“And that kind of stuff was just commonplace where we work. It was a ‘we're all in this together‘ kind of a thing back then.
"So it's really for us it's beautiful to see what has transpired in Easton and what it is today, because, you know, that was our dream all along. We were just like 25 years too early.”
Jeff Porter said he has many a treasured memory at the pub — he met his wife there, as she was a student and he had just graduated and opened Porters’, and his son had his very first beer there.
But he said he knows he’s leaving an important asset to a good community.
“So, just a lot of great people, staff, patrons, musicians, business partners, Easton city people, event people, you know, just everybody in the neighborhood, everyone's working together," he said.
"And we were part of that, we were part of Easton’s big change."
As for his own future, Jeff Porter said he's looking forward to a cross-country trip in his campervan to visit the West Coast to visit his daughter in San Diego.
“We have a pretty great business there and a great staff, and the new owners are going to really add a lot of positive energy to that place, and carry on our traditions and our legacy,” Porter said.
“And they're a local family. They met there. They have children. They have a lot of friends and a big family, and it's a great home for them, as far as businesses go. You know, we didn't sell it to some corporate restaurant group from New York City. We sold it to a local family from Easton. And it really keeps our heart fires glowing, knowing that. And, you know, we're able to let it go under those terms pretty comfortably,” Jeff Porter said.
Taking on the pub is one hefty responsibility, but the Pipers are prepared to keep the magic alive.
Regular customers will be happy to know that the hugely popular Mug Club will continue without any changes, and Porters’ Pub gift certificates will continue to be honored. The tavern will continue to be called Porters' Pub.
“The pub is very endearing to us, and so our number one priority is to continue the legacy that the brothers have built," Christine Piper said.
"And we feel really blessed that they've passed the torch to us.”
Piper said not much will change, and the pub will continue to offer up “great food and great beer.”
The Pipers confirmed all staff members stay on for the transition, and only notable change will be a fresh website.
“It's going to feel very similar to how it did when I when I worked here as their employee," Ryan Piper said. "We've known them for over 20 years now, and they're like family to us, so it's going to be surreal.
"Without the patrons, none of this would be happening. So we're grateful to the brothers and to our patrons, and just look forward to continuing on the tradition and moving forward."
Jeff Porter said he looks forward to the Pipers maintaining “that feeling… that warm pub feeling, it’s the quintessential Easton public house.
“You know, that feeling that we had, that was the hardest part to let go. The love for the place, you know. And that’s going to be part of their lives now."
The brothers said they will grab a pint at the pub every now and again, so keep an eye out for them.
“I can rest easy, I can look forward to coming in here as a customer and not having the concerns of an owner and just come in and have a good time, which I'm really looking forward to,” Larry Porter said.
