The brewery takes its name from the 82 Streetcar line which ran from 1888 until its closing on September 7, 1958. This line started at 5th & G St in Washington D.C. and continued through the neighborhoods of Eckington, Woodridge, Mt. Rainier, Hyattsville, and College Park. The route follows Rhode Island Ave (Rt. 1) for the majority of the trip from DC to Hyattsville and beyond. The name was chosen because It leads right to the front door of the brewery and it is easy to imagine ourselves hopping onto Streetcar 82 and meeting up at our brewery to make and drink craft beer!
As a deaf-owned business, we have the support of a large Deaf community because of our proximity to Gallaudet University. We know our neighbors and we can say, “Hello, how is your spouse/family/dog/cat doing?” Many of our regulars will respond to us in ASL! This sense of warmth, togetherness, and community is something that we care deeply about and this is reflected in the brewery: a gathering place where people can come together, be neighborly, and enjoy beer.
The brewery maintains an all-deaf staff and prioritizes deaf contractors whenever possible. People who are deaf – especially young people with no experience – face significant barriers to getting service jobs like bartending and brewing. After working at Streetcar 82, however, there’s no reason why they shouldn’t be able to work at another bar or brewery. Ultimately S82 aims to be a brewery where the community comes together and interacts, whether they are deaf or hearing.
