June 6, 2025 Bed-Stuy's beloved Bed-Vyne Brew, a cornerstone of the community for 12 years, has poured its last pint. The Black-owned bar and cultural hub, affectionately known as "The Brew," closed its doors permanently on Saturday, June 1, 2024, leaving a palpable void and prompting an outpouring of grief from its loyal patrons.

More Than Just a Bar: A Hub for Black Community and Culture

Since its opening in 2013 at Tompkins and Putnam Avenues, Bed-Vyne Brew quickly became an essential gathering spot. With its lively music and inviting front patio, The Brew wasn't just a place to grab a drink; it was a vibrant center where young Brooklynites, particularly within the Black community, found connection, comfort, and a sense of belonging.

The emotional farewell on its final night underscored its profound impact. "I actually had things to do today, and I canceled my plans. We are paying our respects," shared Marc Jean, a Flatbush resident and six-year patron, highlighting the deep loyalty the establishment inspired.

"Where Do We Go Now?": Patrons Lament the Loss of a Vital Space

The closure has ignited concerns among long-time customers about the shrinking number of Black-owned businesses and community spaces in Brooklyn. "Where do we go as Black people? We all come from every borough, every neighborhood in Brooklyn. With a lot of these places closing, where do we go now?" Jean questioned, articulating a sentiment shared by many.

Tyler Barton, a Bed-Stuy resident and regular, echoed this feeling, emphasizing the bar's unique atmosphere. "There’s a sense of belonging here that you don’t get everywhere," she said.

Owners Allege Targeted Pressure from City Agencies

The community's dismay intensified in January when owners announced a temporary shutdown, citing what they perceived as targeted pressure from various city agencies. Co-owner Michael Brooks, alongside Rotimi Akinnuoye, Ayo Akinnuoye, and Peter Medford, pointed to a shift in leadership at the 79th Police Precinct in late 2023 as a turning point.

Brooks explicitly stated, "They weaponized as many agencies as they could against us," detailing numerous citations for noise and public safety violations. He concluded, "[This] made it financially infeasible for us to continue. They didn’t want us here anymore and they made sure that was the case."

A Bittersweet Farewell and a Promise for the Future

Despite the sadness, a spirit of resilience permeated Bed-Vyne Brew's final night. Rotimi Akinnuoye addressed the crowd, emphasizing the enduring power of community. "We wanted to thank everybody for twelve years of Bed-Vyne Brew. I know that people are sad but this is not an occasion to be sad. This is community," he declared.

Crucially, Akinnuoye offered a beacon of hope: "It is critical that we own our own property. Even though the precinct gave us a rough time and we’re shutting down, we own the building so we’re not going anywhere!" This suggests a future for the space, even if Bed-Vyne Brew in its current form is gone.

Many credit Bed-Vyne Brew with spearheading the cultural and commercial revitalization of Tompkins Avenue. As tears welled in his eyes, Brooks encapsulated the collective sentiment, "This is a magical place. When one door closes, three more open. We’ll evolve into something different. It won’t be a brick-and-mortar anymore, but we’ll always have the memories."

While Bed-Vyne Brew will be sorely missed, its legacy as a vital community cornerstone and a symbol of Black entrepreneurship in Bed-Stuy will undoubtedly live on. The question remains: what new form will this beloved space take, and how will the community continue to find its essential gathering places?