Brewport, 'Side Venture That Became More,' Set For Shirley Library Locale

SHIRLEY, NY — After entrepreneur brothers-in-law, Joe SanFilippo and Keith Dawson, were looking for venture outside of their businesses that they could partner on during the pandemic, they ended up settling on an Italian specialty shop in Bellport Village.

The cozy spot, which sold imported delicacies, already had an Espresso machine, so they decided to build on that.

"It wasn't a coffee shop by any means, but it did have an Espresso machine," SanFilippo explained. "I mean, you could go in there for pastas and different types of salamis and olive oil — things like that. It was almost like a little Italian market."

The two business partners ended up transforming the space in 2021 into a cafe, dubbed, "Brewport Coffee House," that also served food items to snack on.

"It's a side venture for us, slowly starting to become more than that," SanFilippo said.

The cafe quickly became a go-to place for a cup o' Joe and some lite bites for many village residents, as well as visitors perusing Main Street's shops.

More than a year later, the Bellport High School graduates' "side venture" so to speak expanded with the opening of a location at the Sachem Public Library in Holbrook. A third location is set to open by the end of the year at the Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library's main branch.

So far, it seems that the brand seems to have morphed into something else.

Dawson said he believes himself and his business partner's experience with self-employment in their other businesses has helped them move things along so quickly.

"We have that entrepreneurship in us essentially," he added.

The new Shirley location is nestled in the perfect place at the revamped library, just behind a giant electric fireplace with some cushy seats.

"It's kind of central in the library; it's right behind a wonderful sitting area with a fireplace," SanFilippo said.

The venue, which is separated from the library with a pair of glass doors, overlooks another section and a set of stairs.

The 10-table cafe will serve coffee, as well as locally-sourced eats, according to SanFilippo.

Similar to Sachem, the Shirley location will run monthly specials, for instance a holiday theme for the month of December.

"Like 'Sweater Weather Chai,' people look forward to that," Dawson said of the toasted marshmallow, caramel, whipped cream and sprinkled tea delight that can be served hot or cold (If you dare).

"That's probably — out of the 12 months of specials we do — our most popular one," SanFilippo said.

And to pare with that while snuggling with a novel, staff will suggest the fan favorite of crumb cake cookies from Belles's Sweet Treats.

"Those pair with anything hot or cold," he said.

But Brewport does not only satisfy in the winter.

In the summer, the Very Berry Refresher, which is made up of orange juice with some berry syrup served over ice.

In addition to Brewport's location at the Sachem Public Library, the new Shirley cafe joins another local cafe that has sprung up at a local library. Hamptons Coffee has a location at the Center Moriches Library. Other cafes in the Suffolk County library system include the Middle Country and the Emma S. Clark libraries.

But is the Shirley branch the last library location for Brewport?

"It seems to be trending now in libraries, especially some of the older ones that are being renovated," SanFilippo said. "So if there are any other opportunities out there, I mean, reach out to us, but yes, we would be interested."

There's hope that Brewport will catch on further for anyone visiting the Shirley area.

"They'll be able to experience some great coffee drinks at a fair price, and along with some good eats," SanFilippo said.