Delco Profile: Dan Brodeur Brings a Boost to Lansdowne with Backstage Tap + Grille

Big things are happening in Lansdowne! The headline news is, of course, the incredible restoration and reopening of the historic Lansdowne Theater. This beautiful performing arts space first opened in 1927, but then closed in 1987 after suffering a fire. Thanks to a Herculean community-driven effort, the theater underwent a multi-million-dollar renovation over the past decade, and just reopened its doors in August of 2025.

In lockstep with the theater’s grand opening, Backstage Tap + Grille came onto the scene in downtown Lansdowne. This modern gastropub is the brainchild of local chef Dan Brodeur in collaboration with Conshohocken Brewing Co. and brings a much needed burst of energy to the burgeoning borough’s main drag. With creative cocktails, local craft beer, PA wines and an eclectic food menu, it’s a perfect spot for happy hour with friends, date night, or a bite before or after a show at the theater. 

Turns out, this isn’t Chef Brodeur’s first go-round in the restaurant industry — he’s been in the biz since he was a kid. Growing up, this Delco native’s family owned a sports bar in Drexel Hill. When he was old enough to pitch in, he helped out prepping in the kitchen and washing dishes. Pretty soon, he got the bug. 

“I thought it was such a cool operation, and I was taken by the whole industry, even then,” Broedeur says.

After graduating from high school, he went to the University of Delaware to play football; he got his degree but went right back into the culinary world. At this point, his family was operating the Burmont Inn, also in Drexel Hill, and were in the process of debuting a catering menu and expanding into a pizza shop next door. From there, they purchased a casual-to-fine dining restaurant, The Providence Restaurant and Bar and went on to take over the Country House Inn in Middletown Township, as well. Through all of this, Brodeur expanded his skillset, learning the ins and outs of the industry.

“I’ve done all roles: I’ve been cooking my whole life in some capacity and I’ve done front of house management,” he says. “Then, in the mid-2000s, I moved to Media and had an operation there for about seven years, Brodeurs on State Street.” 

 

Through the 2010s, Brodeur ran kitchens for other local outfits, like the Paxton Hollow Country Club and the IATSE Ballroom. After Covid, he got the itch to have his own spot again, and went in with a few partners on a restaurant in Conshohocken, Daniel’s Restaurant and Bar. 

“I was there for a few years, but after dealing with some health issues, I decided to step away for awhile,” Brodeur remembers. “I worked for 12th Street Catering for a bit and it was good for me — it changed the way I did some things, opened me up to some different cuisines.”

 

That brings his story to 2024, when he learned that the owners of Coshohocken Brewing Co., who he’d established a relationship with through his work at other restaurants, were looking to open something in Lansdowne. Brodeur consulted for them on a feasibility study, and soon enough, got an offer to join the project.

“It just seemed like the planets aligned and they said, ‘Do you want to do this with us?’ And I decided to do it,” he said. “I’m a Lansdowne resident, and I loved the idea that I can walk to work.” 

Brodeur and his partners wanted the restaurant concept to work in conjunction with the opening of the Lansdowne Theater. The opportunity seemed optimal to capture some of the energy percolating on the Avenue. Right away, Brodeur felt the embrace of his neighbors (he and his wife Deborah, who is the Borough Manager, have lived in Lansdowne for years). 

“Truthfully, I’ve opened numerous restaurants, and I never felt so welcomed by a community,” he notes. 

To match the artsy, laid back atmosphere of Lansdowne, Brodeur crafted a food menu that draws from global influences and his many years of experience. There is classic pub fare, like sandwiches, burgers and wings, but he pushes it further, offering entrees like braised short rib, crab cakes and pan-seared salmon. Behind the bar, find Conshohocken’s brews on tap, craft cocktails with fun theater-inspired names (we like the Stirring up Treble, an espresso-spiked negroni) and a tight wine list.

“We have a great kitchen team, and some really good people in the front of house and behind the bar,” Brodeur says. 

He hopes that Backstage Tap + Grille will bring a “Center City vibe” to Delco, and help further the growth of the local business community. On warm days, they set up outdoor tables outside, which they share with neighboring Sophusion and Camellia Coffee House. During the Saturday farmers market and special events, like Lansdowne’s Open Sounds live music series, Brodeur loves to see the street bustling with life. And, during their first few months in business, numerous locals have popped in to check out the newest spot in town.

“This is a very tight community, and I’ve really enjoyed living here and have grown to know a lot of people,” Brodeur says. “They really want us to succeed and are supporting us. It’s been a really cool journey.”

 

For more information on Backstage Tap + Grille, check out their website and follow them on Instagram and Facebook.

Find Backstage Tap + Grille at 22 N. Lansdowne Avenue in Lansdowne, PA; phone: (484) 466-3036.

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Want to know more about everything Delco? We’re more than just your source for good eats — we’re your source for where to stay, what to do and more in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. We’re Visit Delco, PA. They say we’re A LOT…and they’re right! Contact us at (610) 565-3679, by email or online.

– Emily Kovach

 

All photos courtesy of Backstage Tap + Grille