Three entrepreneurs have launched Harlem Hops, the city's first ever Black-owned craft beer bar serving a vast array and fresh selection of local, hard-to-find beers. They say that they wanted to create a space for locals to gather, socialize, relax.
The founders are Kim Harris, Kevin Bradford, and Stacey Lee - all graduates from HBCUs who say they are using the values they learned from their alma maters to run their business.
Their ultimate goal
One of their main goals is to help Black-owned brewers who are having trouble getting distribution.
Harris comments, “There are brewers of color all over the country, and it takes time to get your distribution and things of that nature. So, as they get their distribution into the New York area, then that’s when we’ll be featuring them as well. We’ve been in contact with a lot of brewers and building our own network.”
Not just beer
In addition to beer, the bar also serves food like Crispy Tater Tots, Bavarian Pretzels, Tokyo Chicken Bratwursts, Vegan Bratwurst Style Sausages, Spicy Cheesy Beef and Plantains, Spinach and Cheese Patties, Mango Chicken and Cheese, Seafood Patties, and more.
Their concept is years in the making and a dream come true - a product of years of hard work, collaboration and positive thinking. They comment, "Our mission is to invest in the local Black community, to offer great beers made by us and for us, and expand access and enjoy good times together, our way."
Visit the bar at 2268 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd, Harlem, NY 10030 or learn more online at www.harlemhops.com. They can also be followed on Facebook at www.facebook.com/harlemhops/