Operating a craft brewery is a creative and rewarding experience, a business that brings proprietors profit for something that they previous have been doing for the pure love of the craft.
Opening a destination for fellow lager, ale and IPA aficionados allows the owner to experience the fulfilling satisfaction of watching others raise a pint in praise of your meticulously prepared creations that have taken years to perfect.
Make no mistake, love of your suds is not limited to those in the know. Craft breweries also attract the general public. Sure, they may not know the difference between a stout and a pilsner. However, they are aware of the uplifting feeling that comes from spending time with good friends and great beer in a friendly, jovial atmosphere.
Visiting a craft brewery can also be a family-friendly outing. People bring their own sandwiches and pizzas to the establishments’ outdoor picnic tables, where there’s no age limit to enjoy quality family time.
Running a craft brewery appears to be a laid-back experience. Think again. Like any business, a great deal of hard work and business acumen is essential to starting a distillery and keeping it afloat in a very competitive environment.
Make sure that you have a solid budget that includes rainy day funds for emergency repairs to essential equipment in your brewhouse. Marketing and advertising are also key. Branding is vital to driving consumers, and revenue, to your brewery.
Develop a memorable name, logo, and brand that reflects your establishment’s personality and its advantages over the competition. In addition, be sure to have large screen televisions. Otherwise, you risk a steep decline when football season and major sports events come into play.
You might want to consider investing in modern technology. By analyzing comprehensive data, business owners can determine which of their beers sell best, on which days and at what times of day. Using this valuable information, proprietors can best keep tabs on inventory, and time promotions effectively, as well as brewery hours and other money-making and money-saving strategies.
You also want to get the word out beyond the local area. Seek out beer festivals and tasting events far and wide. Bring plenty of inventory for samples and sales. Events like these present perfect opportunities to gain new followers and establish your brewery through world of mouth. You may want to consider the option of shipping your product, though this is prohibited in many states. Be sure to check regulations for all states.
Then there is the sticky matter of paperwork and permits. Know what you will need, from brewery licenses and health and safety standards. There are federal, state and local rules that can overlap. Adherence is an absolute must. Paying hefty fines and shuttering for an extended time and you’ll be crying in your beer, and possibly closing the saloon swing doors for good.
Running a successful craft brewery is an attainable goal. Your odds of long-term viability are magnified with a strong, strategic business plan.
