A major renovation and expansion will bring new exteriors and a second bar to The Alchemist & Barrister Restaurant & Pub.

     PRINCETON, April 8---A new exterior, revamped entrance and an additional bar will mark the 40th anniversary year of Princeton's iconic The Alchemist & Barrister Restaurant & Pub.  Plans call for new windows and French doors opening onto the alley and into the new bar. The A&B will remain fully open during the process. 

    

In 1910, The A&B housed a plumbing and heating business.

     



 Set in an historic building at 28 Witherspoon St., The Alchemist & Barrister opened on New Year's, 1974 and soon took its place as "The Cheers of Princeton."  Throughout this 40th anniversary year, the restaurant will host a number of events and fundraisers and introduce new facilities and services to the landmark Princeton pub.

    

Expansions are underway at The Alchemist & Barrister  with the addition of a second bar.  For 40 years, the convivial pub (above) has drawn Princetonians and visitors with its eclectic menu, and exceptional selection of cocktails, fine wine and  beer. The new bar will bring the number of taps at the A&B to 50.

    
     One of the dining rooms will be expanded by 15 feet to make room for a second bar that will include a stage area to accommodate the many musicians who play regularly at The A&B. The pub is known for showcasing new talent and its popular Open Mic Night, draws creative musicians from around New Jersey, Philadelphia and New York. 

     New beer taps will be added, bringing the total number of taps in the restaurant to 50.  The A&B has already paved the way for these innovations by renovating and expanding the basement to make space for the new taps and barrels. The project took one year to complete.

    

With the popularity of microbrews soaring nationwide, The A&B plans to greatly expand its selection of fine craft beers.

     According to Executive Chef/Owner Arthur Kukoda, the renovation will enable The A&B to expand its selection of craft beers on tap. "Adding a second bar is the next step in our plan to offer a carefully selected variety of high quality, innovative, microbrews," Kukoda explains. "Craft beers are thriving nationwide, and they have special appeal to our diverse customer base here in Princeton," he says. Chef Kukoda also notes that craft beers go particularly well with The A&B's eclectic menu that includes American, Irish, Asian and Latin American specialties.

     A Princeton institution, The Alchemist & Barrister is the vision of attorney Frank Armenante and his cousin, chemist Walter Kieg.  Hence the singular title of The Alchemist & Barrister.  Today, the Armenante family remains its chief owners and operators as Frank's daughter, Amanda Armenante, takes her place as The A&B'S General Manager.

     Says  Frank Armenante, "The A&B is a family with staying power. Arthur Kukoda has been with us for 26 years as Executive Chef. Arthur's daughter will also be joining the team this summer."  Many of the cooks on the kitchen staff have been with the restaurant between 15 and 20 years and the management staff all claim 10 or more years of service. However, the "barrister" has no plans to be less involved. Affirms Frank Armenante, "Part of our success, after 40 years, is the way The A&B has evolved to innovate and grow, meeting new challenges and the needs of our customers and the Princeton community. We will always be moving forward."