Some 13 years after childhood friends and proud Yonkers natives John Rubbo and Nick Califano decided to turn their love of beer into a business venture, the Yonkers Brewing Co. has grown from a two-man operation into a state-wide manufacturing, wholesale, retail, and distribution business, now with more than 40 employees serving 25 counties.
“Like any other great idea,” quips Rubbo in his LinkedIn profile, “Yonkers Brewing Co. was thought of with a beer in hand.”
Armed with a shared dream and a “commitment to craft excellence,” their vision was clear-cut: create a space in Yonkers where people could enjoy high-quality, locally brewed beer while reviving the rich, albeit buried, brewing history of the area.
The founding story is intertwined with the community itself. Yonkers’ affinity with brewing dates back to the 19th century, although it ended abruptly with Prohibition. The friends tapped into this historical narrative, aiming to resurrect the brewing culture in Yonkers with a touch of contemporary flair.
The partnership worked well – “with (Califano’s) sales skills and (Rubbo’s) organizational skills,” – as expressed by Rubbo. in a recent interview for online magazine earnmydegree.com – and the business continued to thrive following Califano’s departure from the company in 2023.
Today, Yonkers Brewing Company operates out of a beautifully renovated trolley barn close to the scenic Hudson River waterfront. The location not only provides an atmospheric setting for visitors but also serves to ground the business in its geographical and cultural context. The space functions both as a production facility and a taproom, where drinkers can take in the brewing process while drinking.
The brewing operation uses high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. While the Yonkers 914 Vienna Lager is the “flagship” – the brew originally inspired from the “sweet nectar” homemade wine Rubbo and Califano used to make with their respective grandfathers – the company’s lineup includes both year-round staples and a rotating selection of seasonal brews that reflect current trends and innovations in the craft beer scene. Their brewers, Rubbo said, constantly strive to create “both classic and novel flavor profiles that appeal to a diverse audience.”
Beyond crafting exceptional beer, the brewery places a strong emphasis on community engagement, with events such as brewery tours, tasting sessions, and special releases. The company also partners with local businesses and participates in charity events, further integrating itself into the fabric of the community.
Its reputation for quality and community involvement has garnered a loyal following in Westchester and the neighboring regions. Successfully distributing their beer to local bars, restaurants and retail outlets has also extended their reach beyond the local taproom.
While craft breweries are hardly a novelty in the region, Rubbo believes that the range of offerings and a consistent commitment to quality have allowed Yonkers Brewing to hold its own in a competitive market.
“This blend of local heritage, quality brewing, and community-centric operations has proved a winning combination for the company,” he said.
Judging by a visit the Westfair Business Journal paid to the brewery on a busy Saturday night in March, the Yonkers Brewing Co. indeed stands as a testament to the power of local business to invigorate a community’s cultural narrative.
