USA, OH: Penguin City Brewing Co. buys warehouse in downtown Youngstown with plans of relocating its production line

Penguin City Brewing Co. has bought the former Republic warehouse in downtown Youngstown with plans to invest $3.7 million to relocate its production line and open a taproom / restaurant, event center and rental space, the Youngstown Vindicator reported on December 15.

The brewing company bought the 32,704-square-foot space for $575,000, according to co-owner Aspasia Lyras-Bernacki. The building contains a little more than 5,100 square feet of office space and more than 27,500-square feet of warehouse space, giving the beer maker plenty of room to grow.

“The concern we had when looking for a place was getting something too small and having to keep adding on. The Republic warehouse gives us the room to add more tanks as we continue to grow and distribute more,” Lyras-Bernacki said.

“It still hasn’t quite settled in that this is ours. We have been working nonstop since August of 2018 looking for our forever home, and we knew Penguin City had to be in the heart of the city,” Lyras-Bernacki said.

Penguin City is considering a 20-barrel brewhouse plus fermentation and conditioning tanks at the site. The company brews about 120 barrels per month now at Paladin Brewing and the B&O location, both in Youngstown.

“With the new system we’ll be able to output much more product, oversee every process from start to finish and do it with a considerable increase in efficiency. This will help us pursue distributors in the states of Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. In addition, we’ll have a smaller pilot system which will allow for dialing in new recipes and experimental brews for the taproom,” co-owner Richard Bernacki said.

The property was first developed in 1884 as a stable, saloon, wagon shop and lumber yard. It’s been a hotel, restaurant, billiards parlor, blacksmith shop, candy shop, steel and iron fabricators and steel warehouse throughout its years, according to Penguin City.

The $3.7 million renovation will be done in phases — brewery and tap room first slated to open in the summer of 2021 followed by the restaurant and event center. When the brewery opens, it will add 19 jobs in manufacturing, distribution, sales and promotion and taproom staff. The company is projected to be at more than 40 employees in three years.

The project will be funded through private loans and grant money. Penguin City is working with Youngstown officials for some help, too.

15 December, 2020