YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Penguin City Brewing Co. received $700,000 in funding from the state’s biennial capital budget in 2024.
The grant will support upgrades at the downtown Youngstown brewery and pub, including the addition of a restroom, paving of the rear parking lot and improving ADA accessibility, according to co-owner Aspasia Lyras-Bernacki. The project will also address a septic issue and upgrade equipment to enhance the brewery’s manufacturing and distribution capabilities.
The brewery last year was awarded a 75% tax break from the city through the Business Park Incentives program. This 10-year incentive will support growth by increasing revenue and clearing the way to hire at least six new team members, says Lyras-Bernacki.
Penguin City expanded its distribution in western Pennsylvania last year by partnering with Goettler Distributing Co. of Butler, Pa. This expands the retail footprint to two more counties, Armstrong and Butler. The company’s products are now available in seven counties in Pennsylvania, with distribution to Mercer, Lawrence, Crawford, Venango and Clarion counties by Erme’s Distributing Co. of Hermitage, Pa.
On the product side, Penguin City launched Cerveza Mexico, a seasonal and refreshing Mexican-style lager with lime, says Lyras-Bernacki.
It also partnered with the Penguin Collective to support Youngstown State University student athletes. A portion of sales from every Penguin City Light beer goes toward this initiative.
The Penguin City Light can, and its relationship to YSU, was recently featured and reviewed in Sports Illustrated magazine’s online edition.
Penguin City expanded its capacity in 2024, adding another 60-barrel fermenter that paves the way for experiments with seltzers and nonalcoholic sodas, says Lyras-Bernacki. The brewery is already producing a root beer and is exploring the possibility of canning it for takeout sales.
The company is considering offering contract brewing services to further use its resources.
In addition, it is creating a dedicated lab for YSU biochemistry students to test beer and other beverages, fostering innovation and providing hands-on learning opportunities.
Many events, including parties, meetings and boxing cards, take place at the brewery. One of the biggest is the Federal Frenzy rock festival, presented by Penguin Productions.
The brewery also hosts a monthly series of night markets in collaboration with Youngstown Flea.
Penguin City faced several challenges in 2024, including a consumer shift away from beer, says Lyras-Bernacki. Another was the closing of downtown streets because of construction projects and the explosion at the Realty Tower.