A longtime Oil City restaurant and tavern, operated by the third generation of the founders and nestled into a small neighborhood on the North Side, has found a new way to survive in a time of restrictive, pandemic-related health directives.
Scierka’s Tavern at 100 Elk St., an address in what was a vibrant ethnic Polish neighborhood in the city’s early history, is launching a craft beer delivery service today.
“During this time, we had to find something else to do to stay in business,” said Greg Plowman, who with his wife Andree owns the establishment.
Andree is the granddaughter of Andrew Scierka who opened the restaurant and bar in 1937. It has been passed down through the family, going from Andrew to John Scierka to Mary Hodges and then to Andree and Greg. Their daughter, Hannah, who works at the restaurant, represents the fourth generation.
A wide delivery area
The new business is known as Plowman Beerlivery, a “we drive, you drink” delivery service that required a Transport for Hire license from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.
There are nearly 100 beer, seltzer and cider products that range from pale ales to stouts, lagers and more made by domestic as well as foreign breweries on the Scierka beer roster.
Buyers can order beverages either online or by calling Scierka’s and the orders will be delivered to a broad area that includes Franklin, Seneca, Rocky Grove and Oil City. There are specific order and delivery times throughout the week with no deliveries available Sundays and Wednesdays.
“When Andree and I took over the business, we did the specialty craft beers. I was always a fan and had that passion before we ever decided to buy the bar,” said Plowman. “I’m excited about this and I think it will work out pretty well. The service that comes along with good beer will be the value.”
Capacity limitations imposed by state directives have cut into all restaurants’ patronage.
At Scierka’s, the capacity rule means about 25 people, including staff, can be inside at any one time.
“At this time, we all need to find something else to do to stay open. While we didn’t have to fully shut down early on, we did to-go beer and to-go dinners. We did what they allowed us to do,” said Plowman. “This won’t be a big money-maker but it works well with what we can do at this time. Plus, it will get the word out that we have a great bunch of beers. And, that we are still here.”
