Karp's Hardware Store and Homebrew Shop

Recently, I had a chance to meet with Karp's Hardware Store and Homebrew Shop owner Alan Talman to talk about what makes his store special.

Alan gave me a brief history, "Karp's was started in 1934 by Alexander Karp selling hardware and tools.  My stepfather Richard Karp got the reins in 1965.  I started working here about 20 years ago and took over in the 90s."

Every resident of East Northport knows that Karp's has been a mainstay to the community for a reason, it does the job of no other, sure, there is a Home Depot nearby, but it does not faze Alan.  "A big box store helps us, and does not hinder our business.  Home Depot empowers people to do build things themselves, making it likely that they will come into my store with a problem that they want to fix or how to do a repair themselves.  Karp's provides the hardware, tools, and expertise to help the customer get the job done."

Anyone who has visited Karp's and needed a hand knows that the keyword here is expertise. 

Karp's Hardware is all over that, with a passion for a business that you are not going to find in Aisle 7 of the local Home Depot.  Whether you are a business or homeowner, the customer gets the same individual attention. 

These guys can provide their customers with the how-to experience on fixing a leaking shower faucet, re-grouting tile, or replacing a worn out light switch.  The staff here is friendly and can help with any one of a thousand other household chores. 

There business-to-business side is equally solid.  I have been in the store and have seen them meet the supply needs of a building contractor in a pinch.  Alan explained to me that, "the commercial side is a good part of our business.  Karp's is very competitive and that makes us an attractive partner."

Yes, they sell hardware, but did I mention they are a home brew shop too?

I originally met Alan a few years back when I first got into making my own beer. 

I did say that Karp's is special! 

When I first thought about getting into the hobby, I did not know where to turn, until an old friend who lives down in Arizona named Neil Burkhart told me about this place he knew from the internet called Karp's Homebrew Shop.

Neil pointed me in the direction of Karp's and the rest is history!

"Yes, we have led the way in homebrew-making here on Long Island and on the internet for over a decade," said Alan.

Their homebrew-making website is nothing fancy, but it garnered Karp's Homebrew Shop the honor from Google of being one of the first 100,000 businesses on the internet to get 'A Google Favorite Place' status.  A metric determined by the number of people searches for local business and the popularity of that local business as determined by Google.

"I was always into brewing my own beer," said Alan "and when I got involved with the store some friends suggested that a carry supplies for making beer.  The store had a little space to make this possible and the rest is history." 

Indeed, internet business for homebrew supplies today exceeds in a weekend what took Karp's a month to make 15 years ago.  Alan added that, "given our proximity to the railroad station we have people coming in by train from Manhattan to stop in and shop at our store for beer and wine making supplies."

Karp's will meet all your hardware needs and homebrew too!  You will find shelves stacked from floor to ceiling of everything you could possible need from how to books, beer and wine making kits, malt extracts, grain malts, hops, yeast, and all the equipment you need to make your own beer. 

I thought I had died and gone to homebrew heaven when I first saw all those brewing supplies!

Whether you are a beginner or a master brewer they have it all, including the patience and expertise to answer any questions that you might have, just like on the hardware side. 

I recommend a visit to the store on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon when there is a chance for an impromptu discussion brewing up!

The combination of home brewing equipment and hardware in one place is about as much fun as a gadget-loving brewer can have.  I strongly recommend a visit to Karp's Hardware and Homebrewing Shop the only one of its kind on Long Island.

Karp's Hardware Store and Homebrew Shop at 2 Larkfield Road has been at the same location and serving Long Island for over 75 years.  This is a testament to what they do and how well they do it.