'Nerve-racking': Lithology Brewing Owner On Coronavirus Closing

FARMINGDALE, NY — Lithology Brewing Company in Farmingdale is one of many Long Island businesses impacted by a statewide mandated closure of all restaurants, bars and other establishments — with the exception of takeout and delivery services — due to the new coronavirus. The industries close indefinitely Monday night and New York, New Jersey and Connecticut will coordinate a reopening date, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced.

The measure comes after the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended banning all gatherings over 50 people as a way to prevent the spread of the virus, which causes the COVID-19 disease.

Restaurants which already offered takeout and delivery still have their plates full. But for breweries, people like Lithology co-owner Manny Coelho have been forced to adapt.

"It's hugely nerve-racking," Coelho told Patch. "You’re thinking about everything. Not only the safety of your employees, but the safety of yourself, your families; the financial burden this is going to take on everybody and the whole small business community. This is a huge shame."

Lithology will be operating on a skeleton crew after bartenders were notified they'd need to stay home, Coelho said. For now, the business intends to follow the rules and keep adjusting.

Beer production will be slowed to match the toll on consumption. Lithology is introducing curbside pick-up of four packs and crowlers, which are large to-go cans of beer. Since customers will not be allowed in the tasting room, craft beer enthusiasts can place orders over the phone or online.

"Being this small, and I'm full-time partner, it's a little tough to move finances around to be able to do what we have to do and continue to come out on top after this is all over," Coelho said. "We understand the safety concerns and we want to put a stop, halt and slowdown to this as much as possible."

Coelho said the coronavirus-related shutdown will hurt finances all around, as there are recurring monthly bills the brewery has to pay.

"It’s going to impact having funds to buy the grain, new material and supplies," he said. "It’s all going to be impacted. Hopefully we’re able to get through the length of time that this is going to go for. Us being closed means we can’t make money. So, it's a very, very tough situation that we're in right now."

The closures won't only affect Lithology. It will hurt the suppliers the brewery orders from, as well as the bars that beer is delivered to.

"All-around, it’s not just going to be hurting the tasting room. It’s going to be hurting our outside sales as well," Coelho said.

All craft breweries across Long Island and other areas are in the same boat, though Coelho said the situation is bringing brewers together.

"The brewery community is pulling together, helping each other out and trying to figure out what we all can do considering this is a nationwide issue," he said. "We’re just trying to keep going as we can."

Online ordering through the Lithology Brewing Company website is currently in the works, though the store can be reached for call-in orders at 516-962-0585. The brewery is also offering 15 percent off gift cards due to the coronavirus-related closure.