Harlem evokes a beautiful history of artistic wisdom, community organizing and delicious food. So when a couple of HBCU grads learned that the neighborhood lacked spaces to come together, unwind, and savor delicious craft beers, they knew they needed to create one.
Beyond supplying libations, the founders wanted to push the boundaries of developing a social space. Their challenge involved answering the questions, “What does it look like to support small and local breweries? How do they tap into Harlem’s pre-existing community organizing? Lastly, how do they keep folks returning for delicious sips and bites?”
“It comes down to being more communal—we are rooted in ensuring we maintain a collaborative spirit,” Kim Harris, one of the co-owners of Harlem Hops, tells Cuisine Noir.
Bonding Over Craft Beer
Opting into a collective is how three HBCU grads’ first bar became a reality. In June 2018, owners Kevin Bradford, Kim Harris and Stacey Lee opened the doors of Harlem Hops. Harris and Lee graduated from Clark Atlanta University, while Bradford obtained his degree from Hampton University.
Harris and Bradford met through a mutual friend who understood that they both had a passion for opening a beer bar in Harlem. When they connected in 2016, they bonded over the excitement of the idea and began collaborating. At the same time, Harris looped in her colleague Lee, knowing they needed an experienced entrepreneur onboard.
They each brought unique assets to their newly formed team. Harris offers operational skills from previous hospitality and event planning roles—she also grew up in Harlem. Bradford, raised in Detroit, considers himself a beer enthusiast and prides himself in understanding which brews to incorporate into their concept. Lastly, Lee, who has roots in the Midwest, helps harness everyone’s ideas and keeps them organized and works on all marketing.
“We all share a common thread; we want to build community and support each other as entrepreneurs,” explains Harris.
Establishing Harlem Hops
The Harlem Hops flagship bar made its home in the heart of Harlem on Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard—named after the first African American elected to Congress from New York. The founders continued this legacy of Black history by founding the first Black-owned beer business in Manhattan.
When establishing Harlem Hops, the first step involved sourcing beer from local breweries from people of color. “When you support local craft brewers, you’re investing in better flavor profiles, local farmers who provide the ingredients and small businesses,” says Harris. The brewery started with only a few Black-owned beers on rotation and now they have upwards of 14 to 16 varieties.
By Ashia Aubourg
Continue reading over at Cuisine Noir.
Continue reading over at Cuisine Noir.
Cuisine Noir Magazine is the country’s first Black food publication, launched in 2009 and dedicated to connecting the African diaspora through food, drink and travel. To read the rest of this article and more, visit www.cuisinenoirmag.com.
