Columbiana’s BrewLounge Beer Gets New Owners

COLUMBIANA, Ohio – James DeRosa and Tina McCoy have purchased BrewLounge Beer Company at TownCenter at Firestone Farms, effective April 1.

They will close the brewpub for one week, beginning April 1, to update and reorganize the room, and reopen April 8.

DeRosa and McCoy purchased the business from Lorenzo Scordo, who has owned BrewLounge since 2019. Scordo is a Valley native who recently moved to Beaver County, Pa. He is planning to launch a new venture in the Pittsburgh area.

DeRosa is the former general manager of YESCO Electrical Supply, where McCoy was the office administrator. The company was sold about a year ago.

BrewLounge will be the new owners’ first foray into the brewing and bar business after many years of distributing electrical supplies.

DeRosa will take over the brewing end of the business, while McCoy will work on the management end, but both will have a strong presence in the pub.

The decision to buy the brewpub reflects the new owners’ entrepreneurial spirit but also their passion for brewing and the hospitality industry.

DeRosa grew up in the chemistry world – his father was a toxicologist – and has always been fascinated by the chemistry and biology that underpin the art of brewing. His grandfather was the original owner of Capri Pizza in Southern Park Mall, and he spent a lot of time there.

“This is my first venture in this field, but I’m no stranger to it,” DeRosa said.

The new owners’ goal is for BrewLounge to be a community gathering place, DeRosa said.

The pub makes its own beer, which is also available in other regional taprooms.

It’s a very small capacity operation, but DeRosa intends to eventually expand sales and distribution.

BrewLounge offers a limited menu that includes flatbreads and appetizers, and DeRosa said it will be kept intact. The pub also offers a full bar with spirits and wine.

It opens at 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 2 p.m. Saturday. It’s closed on Sunday. For more information, go to brewloungebeercompany.com.

Pictured at top: BrewLounge Beer Company owners James DeRosa and Tina McCoy.

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.