It’s no coincidence that you can find an alcoholic slushy called the Arnold Palmer at BierHall Brewing this week as the U.S. Women’s Open has rolled into town.
The $8 drink is lemonade and iced tea, named after the famous golfer who popularized it. BierHall co-owner Jim Rommel made it a slushy and added vodka.
The drink is just one way Rommel is tapping into the four-day event that has closed roads near the brewery. It’s located in Manheim Township at the northwest corner of Eden and New Holland Pike just north of the area where New Holland Pike is closed for the Open.
BierHall is offering parking at $60 a day in its lot a half mile walk from Lancaster Country Club, where the Open is expected to attract 25,000 visitors a day.
MORE U.S. WOMEN'S OPEN COVERAGE
- Here's what spectators, volunteers, players might eat at the 2024 US Women's Open
- Spring House Brewing Co. creates special Championship Pale Ale for 2024 US Women's Open
- 'It's like our Olympics': How the US Women's Open is expected to impact Lancaster County's economy
- These three Lancaster businesses will be featured on US Women's Open players' golf gear
- Here's the weather forecast for the start of the US Women's Open at Lancaster Country Club
In the area around the country club, BierHall has made the most conspicuous display of luring Open visitors.
“Our thing is we adapt to what’s happening and make the best of whatever the situation,” said Rommel, a Manheim Township native who opened the business in November with his brother Chris.
About 10 visitors took advantage of the BierHall’s parking on Thursday, the first official day of the prestigious golf event. Rommel set up a tent at the entrance and posted signs alerting drivers that he is offering parking.
BierHall also opened different hours to accommodate potential Open visitors. The place is open for lunch, which it usually is not. Tuesday, a practice day for the pro golfers, was slow but Rommel said the brewery is usually closed.
“Wednesday was definitely a different crowd,” he said, which included some USGA staff. He said some local regulars said they might stay away to avoid the disruption from the event but others aren’t.
Rommel has noticed out-of-towners driving around the block looking for parking. He would have liked to post more signs along New Holland Pike and plans to if the Open returns to Lancaster.
Inside the 194-seat brewery and eatery, all six TVs are showing the golf tournament.
Rommel said he golfed a lot more before he became a parent and started a small business. He’s played at Lancaster Country Club, where his father is a member. As he watched LGPA’s top golfer Nelly Korda on the television, he recalled playing that same challenging hole.
The road closures may have impacted some regulars but Rommel wants to do more than break even.
“We’re hoping to draw a crowd,” he said. ”Honestly I’m hoping this could be a big week.”