Emberside Brewery, the new brewery coming to The Park in the Fall of 2026, announced Dec. 10 the appointment of Tom Nielsen as director of brewery operations.
With more than 20 years of experience, Nielsen will lead Emberside’s operations and help shape its debut lineup of beers. Nielsen began his career at Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., where he spent two decades pioneering new brewing methods and helping craft some of the company’s most beloved beers, including Torpedo Ale, Hop Hunter IPA, and Hazy Little Thing.
Nielsen helped introduce several new hop varieties to the craft beer world and has served in leadership roles across national brewing research organizations.
At Emberside, he will use that experience to build a rotating lineup of IPAs, classic lagers and experimental small-batch releases tailored to New Jersey drinkers.
“Tom’s deep expertise and passion for innovation make him the perfect person to bring Emberside’s vision to life,” said Stephen Kilroy, senior vice president hospitality and marketing at The Connell Company, the owner of Emberside Brewery, and is a diversified, privately held corporation focused on real estate, hospitality and finance. “He’s not only an incredible brewer, but also someone who truly values community and collaboration and we are excited to see Emberside come to life with Tom at its helm.”
Nielsen, a New Jersey native, is collaborating with local partners and suppliers to bring Emberside to life from the ground up. In the months leading up to the grand opening, Emberside will host a series of events celebrating its craft, community and creativity.
“After spending over two decades in the beer industry, leading a brewery like this from the ground up has always been a dream of mine,” said Nielsen. “I could not think of a more exciting project to bring that dream to life. I am eager to channel my experience and creativity into shaping something truly special for the New Jersey craft beer community.”
Emberside Brewery is owned and operated by Table & Banter Hospitality, a family of restaurants and experiences designed to bring people together through exceptional food, drink, and hospitality services. Table & Banter oversees culinary and hospitality services across The Park’s campus spanning restaurants, hotels, corporate buildings, residential towers, fitness centers, and event companies.
The Park, formerly known as Connell Corporate Park, is undergoing a $500 million repositioning to bring urban energy and community to the suburbs.
The Berkeley Heights area has become a vibrant craft beer scene with several breweries and taprooms offering a variety of beers. These include Trap Rock Restaurant and Brewery, which opened in 1997; Oakflower Brewing Co. in Millington; and Lions Roar Brewing Co. in Westfield.
