Death of the Fox Brewing Company — Restaurant in East Greenwich Township

I’ve never left a review before, let alone a negative one, especially for a small business, but some things need to be shared. My friends and I had a less-than-magical experience at what seemed like a Harry Potter-themed café/brewery on Friday, December 27. We walked in with good attitudes, as the place was cozy and not at all what I expected. Nestled in a strip mall, I anticipated a drab, sports-bar atmosphere but found a modest café with a pleasant aroma and a great selection of craft beer. There were couches and tables offering a more intimate setting, plus a lively bar for a social experience. We arrived for my best friend’s 40th birthday, planned weeks in advance by his wife. We knew we’d have a larger group (10 adults, 2 children) and received the go-ahead. The group arrived with food (2 pizzas, wings, fries) and a 2-liter soda, placed on the table, not intending to open it, assuming outside beverages weren’t allowed. A friend also brought a bottle of whiskey as a gift for my friend, again with no intention of opening it. We also had modest decorations—2 balloons and a Happy Birthday banner—which didn’t obstruct anything. Things went downhill when the owner (whom I’ll call "Lord Voldemort") emerged from the Employees Only area and began circling our table. He seemed to target my friend’s wife, claiming this was considered a “party” and a form needed to be filled out via their website, which we knew nothing about. This was all arranged over the phone weeks before, and no mention was made of the form. Instead of resolving this politely, the owner began lecturing us about the outside beverages, despite us explaining they were either gifts or part of the food we’d brought and weren’t being consumed. The situation escalated quickly. The owner condescendingly lectured us about how businesses work, getting uncomfortably close to my friend’s wife. He then circled the table, asking another woman in our group if she had a problem. When she replied politely, saying everything was fine, he retorted, “Oh ok, because you have a gaze on your face.” Others tried to de-escalate, but he continued ranting about business management, acting like he was teaching an elementary school class. He seemed fixated on the women in our group, getting up close to them while ignoring the men. He then started discussing the band performing that night, using it as another opportunity to lecture us about how businesses and entertainment work. At one point, he even called our decorations “aggressive.” Yes, two balloons and a Happy Birthday banner were “aggressive.” The situation became so uncomfortable that we didn’t know how to respond. The workers behind the bar, who were incredibly accommodating, apologetic, and professional, seemed to think we knew the owner, as his hostility seemed familiar. After a while, the owner disappeared, leaving us unsure whether to touch our food or drinks. Once the owner was gone, the bartenders did their best to salvage our evening. I thanked them for being so polite and professional. I gave a tip, but the bartender seemed almost afraid to accept it, apologizing as if I’d handed her a large sum. This was unsettling, knowing the staff likely endures this behavior from the owner regularly. The employees were excellent, but it was clear the working environment must be difficult. I understand people have bad days, and the holidays can be stressful. Maybe the owner was having a rough time, but his behavior was out of line for someone running a business. If any of the bartenders had acted this way, I wouldn’t have written this review. But the fact that the owner acted this way while his staff remained professional leaves me baffled. I won’t be returning to Death of the Fox, and I assume the other 9 in our party won’t either, which is a shame. I do wish the staff a happy holiday and hope the owner undergoes some positive changes in...

I stopped in one afternoon just recently to see what they had available after a friend of mine said he was disappointed in their selection a couple months ago, especially their seasonal brews. I figured they just started out 6 months ago so maybe they hadn't tapped all they intended or may have brewed so far. Sadly, I also was not impressed and ultimately didn't even try anything. FYI: I've been visiting brew pubs in the Philly area since the early 90's (long before most people had computers at home let alone beer rating apps on their phones) and never have I been so unimpressed with the selection as to not try anything, especially something from a place right down the road from me that I was excited about.

It's January and the only seasonal beer or more winter appropriate brew I saw was a pumpkin that for all intents and purposes should have been off the list by December. They start rolling pumpkins out in August and by the time fall is here I'm already tired of them. A few session level brews and IPA's were all that was really available and a Kölsch which I contemplated but just wasn't in a pilsner/Kölsch mood, not my idea of a winter brew. Don't get me wrong; I like my IPA's too, especially when it's warmer out, but in single digit January weather, I'd like to have a couple heavier and more complex stouts and even some higher ABV Belgian inspired beers to choose from versus what was mostly lighter (4.0 - 5.0 ABV) IPA's.

I eventually balked at everything they had to offer (maybe 5 total brews on tap that day...maybe 6 but no way 10), and went over to Cinder Bar next door and was equally disappointed there as their craft selection has gone downhill since they opened with 75% of the board showing IPA's or worthless AB or MC offerings. The only worthy craft stout they had to offer worth trying (from Terrapin, owned by MC) wound up being a very hoppy IPA because someone tapped the wrong beer (maybe intentionally?).

In response to the reply: I'll try back in a couple weeks and see what you have. Thanks...

I enjoy coming to DOTF in the occasion I don’t feel like making a matcha latte at home. Their honey lavender recipe is especially delicious.

The times I’ve gone have been early in the morning, within the first 20 minutes of opening. They usually only have 1 barista behind the counter, which doesn’t cause too much of an issue if you’re not on a rush, and which I never am.

Today was different because not only did I wait 20-30 minutes for my drink, it unfortunately had to be made 3 times until it was right. When I got in line, the barista was 2 drinks ahead of me and having a somewhat visibly difficult time making one of them. I overheard her say it was her first time making it and apologize to the customer.

I ordered a honey lavender matcha latte with 1/2 the amount of pumps the recipe calls for, oat milk, and extra strong on the matcha. The first drink she made me had espresso in it. When I handed it back to her, she apologized and said it was her first time making one. She tried a second time with my direction, explaining that there is no espresso, just matcha. The 2nd drink was pure milk, there was no matcha in sight. I handed it back and told her what was wrong and that she didn’t have to make another one, that I would just go without. She insisted on trying again saying she would add more matcha. At this point, 3 other customers had formed a line and I did not want to continue holding it up. She handed me my 3rd matcha and I left.

This review doesn’t reflect her, because she was kind and patient, to me and everyone else. But, I don’t agree with having what seems to be a trainee, operate the counter by themselves. I understand the morning is slow and there is no need for additional staff, but there should be exceptions made for certain cases. A suggestion is to have a cheat sheet behind the counter for basic recipes or formulas. That could’ve helped her in a...