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Here for the Long Haul: Bushwick Welcomes New Brewery

Irina Groushevaia

Nov 21, 2019 — 3 min read

Long Haul Brewery and mural by local artist Lucky. Courtesy of Long Haul Brewery.

There’s a new kid in town, or rather — three. Mike Hassell, an IT guy, Kevin Webb, a bartender, and Reed Silverman, a chef, have opened Long Haul Brewery in the spot vacated by Braven Brewing Company, a Bushwick brewery, that suddenly ceased its operation in March, after just six months in business.

The three friends had been dreaming about opening a bar and a restaurant for some time, over drinks in Prospect Heights. After multiple locations didn’t fit the bill, the trio stumbled upon more than they bargained for: a joint with a bar, a restaurant with room to seat 60, and a microbrewery.

The new brewery has 14 tabs, and plans to have their own rotations of eight or so lines with seasonal specials and collaborations, as well as welcome guest beers.

Silverman, Hassell, and Webb, in the new brewery. Irina Groushevaia/Bklyner.

“We don’t see it as a competition,” said Hassell sharing lines with guest selections. “We want to give customers the ability to choose whatever they prefer. Of course, we would love it if you loved our beer, but if it doesn’t resonate with you, we don’t want to lose your business.”

The brewery isn’t worried about local competition either, as they offer a full kitchen and can be part of local beer tours.

“We will listen to the feedback too,” Webb chimed in. “So we can brew whatever.”

Charles “Chuck” Williamson is their brewmaster. Williamson has been in commercial brewing for over 20 years, and is currently working on developing their beers — one has a working title of “Turner’s Toasted Lager,” but their first beer will probably not be for sale before the end of the year.

Sunrise Bowl at Long Haul Brewery. Courtesy of Long Haul Brewery.

While they wait for their Liquor and Microbrewery licenses, they are operating as a café, serving morning commuters with espresso beverages and breakfast, but plan on offering a very generous happy hour with $3-$4 beer specials on house brews once the license comes through.

The menu is more affordable in comparison to other new breakfast spots popping around Bushwick. Everything on the menu is under $10. They have morning options that are health-focused, like their Sunrise Bowl ($8) with sweet potatos, beets, apples, and hummus, and more classic options like a bacon, egg and cheese ($6) on a brioche bun with two eggs, and a breakfast wrap ($6) with two eggs, gruyere cheese, and avocado.

The evening dinner menu, the chef shares, will be Mediterranean-inspired, with vegetarians and vegans in mind, as per the local folks recommendations for healthier options.

Long Haul Brewery. Courtesy of Long Haul Brewery.

The team wants to put community and affordability at the focus of the business. Currently, the artwork in the brewery is of a local artist and collections will be on rotation. The design of the space is much as it was under Braven, but the team is working on updating some details. They try to hire as many locals as possible and commissioned Bushwick graffiti artist Lucky to do their gate mural.

“We want to be a genuine part of the neighborhood,” said Hassell. “We want to be your regular bar.”