“Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.”
–Confucius
Confucius highlights the human tendency to overcomplicate life, and encourages a shift in focus towards what truly matters, prioritizing essentials and avoiding distractions. Confucius wasn’t talking about beer, but he might as well have been.
In a world that seems more complicated by the day, I find it helpful to return to basics: family, health, home and the most fun and rewarding news beat to cover.
When I visit new breweries, I try to keep simplicity in mind. Sure, throw in a trivia night or some karaoke (I’m first in line for “Sweet Home Alabama”), but when it comes down to it, just make great beer.
That’s the philosophy behind Simple Motive Brewing Co. in Yonkers—and during a recent visit, I saw firsthand how well it’s working.
A friend was in town, and his daughter and son-in-law live in Yonkers. I’d been a fan of Simple Motive for a while, and this was the perfect excuse for a group visit.
The brewery opened in June 2023 in the Alexander Smith Carpet Mills District, a historic area originally developed between 1871 and 1930. Once largely abandoned, the district has experienced a creative revival thanks to artists and small businesses—breweries often being a catalyst for that kind of change.
“Growing up, that area of Yonkers still had industrial zoning although most of the businesses had abandoned the warehouses," said my friend’s son-in-law, who grew up in Yonkers. "The area was mostly empty, with very little foot traffic. The building that the brewery is in was in really poor condition... It had broken windows and was in really bad shape. It’s amazing how active it is now—it’s totally different.”
Today, the area is known as the Carpet Mills Arts District (CMAD) and includes the YOHO Artist Community. And Simple Motive fits right in.
Simple Motive is women-, veteran-, minority- and service member-owned. CEO Matt Williams told me it all started with informal conversations over beers.
“We literally talked it into existence,” Williams said. “None of us had any experience. I was living in Atlanta at the time and started going to conferences. From there, the idea took off.”
The name Simple Motive reflects their approach: no gimmicks—just good beer, brewed well, served in a place that feels right.
The brewery’s vibe is industrial but inviting—an oasis in an otherwise rugged part of Yonkers.
“It was brighter than I would have guessed,” said my friend KB. “It was a bit of an oasis in an industrial section of Yonkers. Overall I thought it was very inviting, a bit of a surprise."
The taproom hosts live music, including a popular Bluegrass Brunch. There’s also an event space, and the staff—especially Natasha behind the bar—were friendly and attentive.
The clientele ranges from Yonkers locals and Westchester regulars to visiting “beer heads” who travel for new releases. It’s a varied crowd: sometimes families, sometimes couples out for a date night.
Head Brewer Kevin Glessing brings deep experience and a lifelong passion for beer. “I’ve been into craft beer since I thought Molson Canadian was craft,” he joked—something I could relate to from my Buffalo days.
His résumé includes stops at Shipyard, Hidden Cove, Sebago, and Maine Beer Company. At Simple Motive, he draws on that experience to produce a rotating selection of beers.
“We brew what we like to drink, while offering a variety for customers,” Glessing said. “We’re always experimenting on our one-barrel pilot system and releasing new beers regularly.”
Seasonal brews like Mirage (a dry-hopped Kölsch), Oktoberfest, and Mirth & Mischief (a black IPA) showcase the team’s creativity.
Some highlights from our visit:
Satori (West Coast Pale Ale, 5.5%) – Orange rind, melon, grapefruit zest. “Starter IPA.”
Lake (Kölsch, 5%) – White grape, lemongrass, crackery finish.
Nepperhan (American IPA, 6.25%) – Tropical fruit and tangerine zest.
Moquette (Hazy DIPA, 8.5%) – Pineapple, honeydew, citrus marmalade. “Juice!”
Central City Pils (Pilsner, 5%) – Crisp and refreshing. “Loved.”
Axminster (American IPA, 7%) – Melon, juicy fruit, orange creamsicle. “Interesting and excellent.”
Mill Water (Porter, 6.5%) – Baker’s chocolate and medium roast coffee.
Irish Red (Pilot Series) – Malt-forward with light toffee notes. All-around hit.
The focus is clearly on beer, though they do offer pizzas and are considering adding charcuterie in the future.
In short, Simple Motive lives up to its name. It’s a place of simple pleasures in a complicated world: excellent beer in a welcoming atmosphere.
The Katonah Beer Man can be reached at TheKatonahBeerMan@gmail.com or visit thekatonahbeerman.wordpress.com. Simple Motive is located at 222 Lake Ave., Suite 1B in Yonkers. For more information, visit simplemotivebrew.com or call 914-968-1406.
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