Penguin City Beer
Penguin City Beer, nestled in the heart of Youngstown, Ohio, started off as a beer distribution center and is now known and loved as a local pub. Established in 2018, Penguin City is a beacon for the community that encourages families, friends, and the community to get together to celebrate life, the culture of Youngstown, and wonderfully crafted beer.
The journey began with Co-Founers, husband and wife duo, Aspasia Lyras-Bernacki and Richard Bernacki (the brewer), in an old train station, where they started crafting beer and distributing to other businesses. Penguin City beer is a crisp golden ale that is brewed with high quality malts and hops that give the beer an Eastern European twist that makes you keep going back for more. Their beer is perfect for all seasons, anytime of the day, and any event or celebration that your having! The saying “tough times don’t last, tough cities do” is the Penguin City slogan for the city to know that we may have tough times, however, the city of Youngstown is strong and will overcome any obstacle, together.
Although in 2018 they were only distributing, the owners had many dreams for expanding the building to be able to craft more beers and accommodate more people. Finally in 2021 their chance came to buy the new and improved Penguin City that we know and love today located at 460 E Federal St, Youngstown, Ohio. This new space is over 33,000 square feet and had previously sat empty for years until it was bought and renovated in nine months. Richard and Aspasia spent an immense amount of time deigning the building to truly show their brand and give the City of Youngstown a place they are proud of. Youngstown was once a booming city but in recent years the nightlife had simmered down. The plan was to introduce Penguin City Beer to bring life back into Youngstown by having a place that people can enjoy an event at or rent out for their own event.
The space was completely renovated to hold 12 regular taps, four 10-barrel serving tanks, four 3.5-barrel fermenters (for single pour customers), and so much more. The building gave Aspasia and Richard space to truly elevate the beers and services they offer. The renovation restored a former steel mill distribution center, to a a spot that locals are able to enjoy something different. During the renovations in 2021, the company uncovered an old beer bottle from the Smith Brewing Company (which was the first ever brewery in Youngstown in 1846).
