How to Open a Brewpub or Micro brewery
- May 14, 2024
- 116
- tiantai
1. Experiment with different brew recipes to find your specialty and determine what you wish to sell. Most brewers prefer to sell several types of custom beer -- some light or pale varieties and some darker beers.
2. Visit other brewpubs and microbreweries to see what works and what does not. Make sure you have a good understanding of the industry by reading books, trade magazines or websites.
3. Find a location for your brewpub or microbrewery and determine which you want to open. An establishment that makes and sells beer is a microbrewery; a business that makes and sells beer along with food in a restaurant is considered a brewpub. The right location will accommodate your business needs; is large enough for brewing equipment; is in a high-traffic area; and complies with zoning regulations. Buying or leasing a location that was previously used as a brewpub or microbrewery can help, because the building may include some equipment and be set up for kitchen and dining areas.
4. Develop a business plan and do a feasibility analysis. Include information about your proposed business, such as business location; the types of beer you plan to sell, including ingredient specifications and suppliers; the volume of business you anticipate; and a marketing plan. The plan should include specifics about how much beer you plan to produce and sell and what level of sales will make the business profitable. Outline whether you plan to sell food and what the menu will include. The business plan must also explain how you plan to fund the business. The feasibility analysis will help you determine how solid and financially sound your business idea is.
5. Get your financing in order. Consult a lawyer or financial adviser. Gather funds from investors or personal accounts and start a business account to handle expenses. Research and apply for grant money if you qualify. Opening a brewpub or microbrewery can cost as much as $25,000 to start up, at the time of publication, plus an additional investment if revenue does not meet initial goals.
6. Buy beer-making equipment and ingredients. You will need brew kettles and tanks as well as other supplies -- boilers, refrigeration, and filtration equipment -- to make the beer. Develop a relationship with vendors who will supply ingredients -- such as barley, hops, yeast and flavorings -- and materials for your business. Also plan to buy items for your location, from tables and chairs to decor and dishware to glasses for your brew.
7. Apply for a business license, insurance and any applicable alcohol-beverage-control licenses, which vary by state.
8. Hire a team to support and run the business. You will need someone to handle business finances, a lawyer to oversee contracts and help with licensing, an accountant to handle taxes and staff to keep the brewpub or microbrewery running.
9. Market your business. The best way to get people to try your brew is to get the word out about it. You may have to sell your product under cost initially with promotions such as "Happy Hour" specials that include discounted beer. Watch your sales and keep the most-bought ales in supply -- customers often choose beers that taste similar to mainstream brands. Having a product that people want and good customer service will bring customers back.
If you are looking to open a brewpub or microbrewery, contact Derrick to get your brewery proposal. We have more than 20 years brewery equipment experiece and provide turnkey solutions from A to Z.
Derrick
Sales Manager
[email protected]
Tiantai Beer Equipment
2. Visit other brewpubs and microbreweries to see what works and what does not. Make sure you have a good understanding of the industry by reading books, trade magazines or websites.
3. Find a location for your brewpub or microbrewery and determine which you want to open. An establishment that makes and sells beer is a microbrewery; a business that makes and sells beer along with food in a restaurant is considered a brewpub. The right location will accommodate your business needs; is large enough for brewing equipment; is in a high-traffic area; and complies with zoning regulations. Buying or leasing a location that was previously used as a brewpub or microbrewery can help, because the building may include some equipment and be set up for kitchen and dining areas.
4. Develop a business plan and do a feasibility analysis. Include information about your proposed business, such as business location; the types of beer you plan to sell, including ingredient specifications and suppliers; the volume of business you anticipate; and a marketing plan. The plan should include specifics about how much beer you plan to produce and sell and what level of sales will make the business profitable. Outline whether you plan to sell food and what the menu will include. The business plan must also explain how you plan to fund the business. The feasibility analysis will help you determine how solid and financially sound your business idea is.
5. Get your financing in order. Consult a lawyer or financial adviser. Gather funds from investors or personal accounts and start a business account to handle expenses. Research and apply for grant money if you qualify. Opening a brewpub or microbrewery can cost as much as $25,000 to start up, at the time of publication, plus an additional investment if revenue does not meet initial goals.
6. Buy beer-making equipment and ingredients. You will need brew kettles and tanks as well as other supplies -- boilers, refrigeration, and filtration equipment -- to make the beer. Develop a relationship with vendors who will supply ingredients -- such as barley, hops, yeast and flavorings -- and materials for your business. Also plan to buy items for your location, from tables and chairs to decor and dishware to glasses for your brew.
7. Apply for a business license, insurance and any applicable alcohol-beverage-control licenses, which vary by state.
8. Hire a team to support and run the business. You will need someone to handle business finances, a lawyer to oversee contracts and help with licensing, an accountant to handle taxes and staff to keep the brewpub or microbrewery running.
9. Market your business. The best way to get people to try your brew is to get the word out about it. You may have to sell your product under cost initially with promotions such as "Happy Hour" specials that include discounted beer. Watch your sales and keep the most-bought ales in supply -- customers often choose beers that taste similar to mainstream brands. Having a product that people want and good customer service will bring customers back.
If you are looking to open a brewpub or microbrewery, contact Derrick to get your brewery proposal. We have more than 20 years brewery equipment experiece and provide turnkey solutions from A to Z.
Derrick
Sales Manager
[email protected]
Tiantai Beer Equipment
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