Staten Island Brewing Company | Staten Island

Information

Landmark: Staten Island Brewing Company
City: Staten Island
Country: USA New York
Continent: North America

Staten Island Brewing Company, Staten Island, USA New York, North America

Staten Island Brewing Company (also known as Staten Island Beer Company)

The Staten Island Brewing Company, sometimes referred to as the Staten Island Beer Company, was a small, independently owned craft brewery that represented a passionate and community-driven return of beer production to Staten Island after a multi-decade absence. Though now permanently closed, it played a meaningful role in the local brewing movement during its years of operation.

Founding and Vision

Founder: Jonathan Schulman, a Staten Island native, news assistant at The New York Times, and devoted homebrewer.

Founded: Officially started brewing operations around 2013, with a taproom launched in 2016.

Location: 20 Kinsey Place, Staten Island, NY – an industrial zone in Mariners Harbor.

Motivation

Schulman was inspired by a love of craft beer and a strong desire to reintroduce local brewing to Staten Island, which hadn't seen active brewing since the 1960s. His goal was not only to produce quality beer but to create a space that reflected and served the local community.

"I feel that opening a brewery here that’s responsive to the community is a real give-back kind of thing and that's more important than the money." — Jonathan Schulman

Taproom Experience

Opened: Early 2016

Capacity: Intimate venue with a casual and welcoming atmosphere

Ambience: Industrial decor, beer-centric design, and regular community events

Features

11 rotating taps, featuring:

Flagship beers

Limited-edition seasonal and experimental brews

Local-only exclusives

Merchandise and growlers were available for purchase

The taproom hosted tasting events, local food pairings, and often served as a gathering place for Staten Island beer enthusiasts.

Signature Beers

The brewery focused on approachable, flavorful, and diverse styles. Popular offerings included:

Victory Blvd Pale Ale – A balanced American pale ale, citrus-forward with a clean finish.

Shaolin IPA – Named after Staten Island’s nickname (popularized by the Wu-Tang Clan); a hop-forward India Pale Ale.

Summer Ale – Light, refreshing, and brewed for warm weather enjoyment.

Port Richmond Pilsner – Crisp lager with a nod to the local neighborhood.

Dark SIde Stout – A smooth, roasted stout often served in colder months.

Some beers incorporated local ingredients or Staten Island cultural references, building a strong connection to the island’s identity.

Challenges and Closure

The brewery eventually ceased operations permanently, though there is no public statement detailing the exact reasons for closure.

Possible contributing factors (speculative but common in the industry):

Rising operational costs

Competitive pressure from larger craft breweries

Limited distribution

Pandemic-related financial strain (if closed post-2020)

As of 2024–2025, the company is no longer in operation, and the facility is not functioning as a brewery.

Legacy and Impact

While its time was limited, Staten Island Brewing Company left a lasting mark by:

Reviving the art of brewing on Staten Island for the first time in over 50 years

Encouraging community gathering and pride

Inspiring the next generation of brewers and beer lovers in the borough

Its closure was felt deeply by many in the local beer scene, but its influence remains evident in the continued growth of craft beer culture on the island.