The Yard House Restaurant opened in Palmdale on July 17, just in time to quench parched throats during another Mojave Desert summer. The upscale eatery is known for its vast beer selection with more than 100 brands — both national and independents — on tap. The Yard House moved into the space of a former movie theater at the Antelope Valley Mall. It is the 32nd location for the chain and employs 79 full-time workers and 178 part timers. The company chose Palmdale based on how well other chains did in the Antelope Valley and because the mall is a destination, said President and CEO Harald Herrmann. “We thought that was a good place to plant our flag, and we hope to grow with the city over time,” Herrmann said. The Yard House is leasing 10,000 square feet, which is the size of most of the chain’s restaurants. The chain has locations in California, Arizona, Nevada and six other states. Palmdale is among four new restaurants opening this year. Stacia Nemeth, chief executive officer of the Palmdale Chamber of Commerce, said the restaurant’s opening signifies the city’s growth as a community. “The city and the chamber are hopeful it is an indication that other restaurants will follow,” Nemeth said. When the company considers a new location, a real estate team conduct substantial research into a new site, Herrmann said. An analyst runs economic models to determine if it’s a wise investment, he added. At the orientation earlier this month for the Palmdale employees, Herrmann said he was floored by how many knew about the Yard House. “If that is any indication of the greater community that is a good thing,” Herrmann said. — Mark R. Madler
Beer House Serves 100 Tap Brews
