The Bronx Brewery, which has a location in Port Morris and two in Manhattan, recently merged with Captain Lawrence Brewing Co., based in Westchester County.— are forcing some breweries to close, cut costs or at least look for creative ways to broaden their appeal as the initial novelty of craft beer has waned.its only taproom a year ago, though its beers are still available in bars and retail stores. Brooklyn saw another closure as recently as this month, when Greenpoint Beer and Ale Co.
But today, craft beer is no longer a novel option. Customers have absorbed it into their ever-expanding menu of choices, which may include wine, hard seltzer, cider and liquor — or no alcohol at all. In the months since the Bronx closure, the company has found a unique way to consolidate operations while deepening its connections with others in the business.
The industry has always been scrappy, and now it is undergoing “consolidation in terms of head count,” said Lopez. Business owners can’t control the cost of rent, utilities or supplies, but they can control labor costs — which often results in “fewer people doing more stuff,” he said. But while the Grimms have found success by doing things their way, they also miss the personal touch of knowing everyone in the industry, and they said they can no longer keep up with openings and closures. As the local industry shrinks, “It is right now a painful time,” said Joe.Rockaway Brewing Co. was also founded in 2012 and has a tap room, small event space and production brewery in Long Island City.