Stewart Keener, BA ’94

Get Cozy at Bar Hygge

Bar Hygge has been bringing good vibes and good eats to Philly’s Spring Garden neighborhood for over 10 years under the direction of Stewart Keener, BA ’94, and his wife, Julie. The spot is carefully designed with warmth and comfort in mind, and is also home to Brewery Techne, a 10-barrel craft brewery. The menu, which boasts dishes intended for sharing amongst friends, features build-your-own boards with everything from salmon ceviche to a pickle pot. In addition to customer comfort, the team at Hygge prides itself on prioritizing sustainability through an extensive composting program that gives back to the Philadelphia area. 

Can’t-miss menu item? 

Our Hygge Burger, which was voted Best in PA by Chowhound. The burger itself is made with house-ground chuck and brisket, then topped with cabot cheddar, bibb lettuce, red onion, garlic dill pickles and our special Hygge sauce on a brioche bun.

Inspiration for going into the food biz?

There’s nothing I haven’t done in the food business. From dishwashing to bartending, you name it;  I’ve always loved the hard work. So, to me, putting all this together and branching out into ownership was the best possible next step.

Best part about being a restaurateur/business owner?

Community engagement. I own and operate my restaurant and brewery in the neighborhood where I live, so I get to connect with the community on many levels. The restaurant is also an opportunity to put our value system to work in the areas of sustainability, human capital management and leadership training.

How would you describe your restaurant/business to someone who has never been there before?

Cozy and comfortable. Bar Hygge was built to be a place where people connect on a meaningful level. There are no TVs and the decor is rustic and relaxed, built with almost all repurposed material. Hygge is a Danish concept that means "a cozy feeling of connection to the moment and to each other." We really wanted to embody that here.

Impact of your SJU education? 

SJU helped me take myself seriously as a leader. The Jesuit ideals of being men and women for others helps to shape the way I view leadership every day.

SJU-themed meal or dish?

A board with lots of items to share — Hawks work together and take care of each other.

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