what equipment is needed to start a microbrewery

How to Get-go a Brewery

Final updated on 12/09/2020

Breweries are popular with a variety of customers, whether they're a casual beer drinker, a craft beer enthusiast, or only looking for a identify to spend Fri night. Equally the demand and popularity of beer continues to rise, so does the involvement in new breweries. If y'all're considering opening a brewery of your own, we've compiled a listing of steps and tips to help guide y'all through the process and successfully open your own business.

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Click any of the tips below to read the section that interests you:

Write a Brewery Business organization Plan
Choose a Brewery Concept
Make up one's mind the Price of Starting a Brewery
Secure Brewery Funding
Apply for Permits and Licenses
Choose a Brewery Location
Purchase Brewery Equipment
Create a Typhoon Listing and Menu
Advertise Your Brewery
Host a Soft Opening

Continue reading to learn about how to open your own brewery!

i. Write a Brewery Business Plan

A business program is one of the most important steps for starting whatever concern. Non only does it deed as a roadmap that guides you through the process of opening your business, but it is essential for securing funding from investors. A good business programme includes detailed information on your concept, marketplace, business concern structure, and financial situation.

For additional data on this topic, consider reading our piece on how to write a restaurant business organization plan.

ii. Choose a Brewery Concept

Your concept is what defines your brewery. It influences everything from how customers volition identify you every bit a company, to the messaging you target in advertisements, to the type of employees you'll hire. To identify your brewery concept, you'll have to choose a name, identify your brand, and determine what type of brewery you want to operate.

Naming Your Brewery

Choosing a name for your brewery tin be a daunting task, not merely because there are so many options to choose from, merely because your choice will ascertain your company for years to come. As yous go through the procedure of choosing a name for your brewery, continue in listen that a good name will share the post-obit traits:

Original: The offset and most obvious step in choosing a proper name for your brewery is making sure that it isn't already taken. Additionally, exist conscientious not to choose a name that is too like to an existing name. Not merely volition this assistance y'all to protect yourself and secure a trademark, just it can help to avoid lawsuits from other brands who might call back you lot've infringed on their intellectual property.
Memorable: Cull a name that your customers will remember. A good starting point is to aim for a name that'south easy to spell and pronounce. Furthermore, choosing a name that rolls off the tongue and is fun to say tin can help to make your name memorable.
Reflective: The name you choose should reflect your company. Try to create a list of what distinguishes your make from others, or what defines you as a visitor. For example, if your brewery is located in Boston, y'all might cull something that reflects the civilization of New England
Broad: Your brewery's proper name should be able to have wide appeal and lend itself to a variety of branding opportunities, themes, and products. Choosing a proper noun that is too specific can limit the number of opportunities you take, and past extension prohibit growth.

Place Your Brand

Identifying a brand is an essential part of establishing yourself as a brewery. Your brand can assist you to connect with potential customers, identify target markets, hire employees, and strategize the direction of your business.

To identify your brand, kickoff past determining your company values. Understanding what matters to your company and employees is a key part of your branding. Once you lot've done this, yous can notice your target audience and the emotion behind your products.

It's not plenty merely to identify a brand and move on. In one case y'all've determined your values, fundamental demographics, and emotional bear on, yous have to brand an effort to create continuity. This means post-obit through on your promises and interim in accord with the values of your company. Doing and so will let you to truly plant yourself in the industry, within the community, and with your employees.

Choose a Blazon of Brewery

The increased demand for beer has pb to innovation in the manufacture, and by extension, a variety of brewery types. Though they differ in size, calibration, and bear upon, each brewery serves a specific role and tin can be effective given your goals.

Nano Brewery: As its proper name suggests, a nano brewery is the smallest blazon of brewery. There isn't a set amount of beer that a nano brewery is allowed to produce until they officially scale upwards to micro-sized.
Microbrewery: A microbrewery is defined as a brewery that produces less than xv,000 barrels of beer annually. These types of breweries are typically independently owned, and sell the majority of their products onsite rather than through beer distributors.
Brewpub: A brewpub is a hybrid betwixt a eating house and a brewery. Well-nigh of their beer is brewed for the purpose of beingness sold to customers at their bar.
Taproom Brewery: Taproom breweries are professional breweries which sell beer onsite and through distributors, yet don't offering restaurant services to guests. Frequently times, the taproom will exist attached to the brewery itself.
Regional Brewery: A regional brewery is divers equally a brewery that produces betwixt fifteen,000 and six,00,000 barrels of beer per yr. Breweries which exceed this level of output are recognized worldwide.
Contract Brewing Company: A contract brewing company hires other breweries to produce their beer. The hiring visitor retains the responsibility of marketing and distributing the beer while the company they've hired is responsible for production and packaging.

three. Determine the Price of Starting a Brewery

Because at that place are so many different types of breweries, the toll of opening your own can vary quite a chip. Several factors including how much beer you program on producing, the possibility of serving nutrient and maintaining a dining room, and the size of the property you'll be operating in can influence the cost of your brewery. Below, nosotros've listed the estimated costs of a brewery'due south various expenses.

Brewery Equipment Price: The amount you pay for brewing equipment ultimately depends on the size of your brewery and whether you purchase information technology new or used. You can purchase brewing equipment with the smallest capacity for $100,000 or less if you buy it used, or pay upwards to $i million or more for a brand-new, 30-barrel system.
Furniture Cost: Depending on the style and level of quality yous're looking for in your brewery, the price of. restaurant piece of furniture in your eatery tin can range from as depression as $4,000 to equally high as $15,000.
Rent or Mortgage Payments: When you decide on retail space to operate your brewery out of, take into account how much space you'll need. It'southward essential to have enough infinite for your utilities and brewing equipment. Additionally, if yous programme on operating a taproom, brand sure there is enough space for guests to comfortably dine. Regardless, the cost of retail rent is adamant past square foot and can range from anywhere from $10/square foot to as loftier as $xxx/square foot.

What Is the Average Toll of Starting a Brewery?

In total, the cost of opening a brewery can range from every bit low as $250,000 to up of $2 million. However, for a standard brewery, it's reasonable to wait that value to autumn between the range of $500,000 and $ane.five one thousand thousand. The boilerplate cost of opening a brewery is dependant on a number of factors which vary based on your concept, location, needs, and preferences.

4. Secure Brewery Funding

A key stride in opening your brewery is to secure funding. While yous may accept money saved up, chances are you'll however take to seek boosted funding. Consider the following options as ways to acquire extra capital and continue the process of opening your brewery:

Self-Funding: Equally was mentioned above, it'south possible to fund your brewery, at least in part, with your own money. Still, due to the high price associated with acquiring equipment, permits, and other expenses, you'll likely have to look for additional funding from outside sources.
Investors: One possible source of funding can come through investors. With a proficient business programme and a stiff meeting in which you pitch your plan to an investor or group of investors, they may consider giving you money to fund your brewery. Go on in mind that once they've invested, they'll accept a vested interest in your business and volition likely want to stay informed.
Loans: A multifariousness of loan opportunities exist for people interested in opening a business organisation. Among them are traditional banking concern loans, small business organization loans, and equipment loans.
Crowdfunding: Crowdfunding is a relatively new yet constructive method of securing funding. Websites such as GoFundMe let supporters donate money towards your brewery, allowing you to set funding goals and provide updates on business development.

five. Apply for Permits and Licenses

To legally own and operate a brewery, or any concern that produces or sells booze, you lot'll have to apply for a liquor license. Depending on your production and serving needs, you lot take the option of applying for a limited license, which allows you to sell specific types or quantities of alcohol, or a full license.

Cost of Liquor Licenses

The cost and availability of liquor licenses can vary depending on what state yous live in. In some instances, acquiring a license can cost yous as low every bit $three,000, yet in others, it can cost upwards of $400,000. Additionally, many states require an application fee to exist considered for a liquor license. In some states, such equally Pennsylvania, there are just a set number of licenses in circulation, meaning that you may accept to apply for a transfer or pay higher costs to larn one.

Toll of Eating house Licenses

Since many breweries choose to serve food besides as beer, you may want to investigate the cost of restaurant licenses and permits. A food service license certifies that your business organisation meets all regulations and standards and has been accounted fit to serve food to customers. Equally with all fees, the amount you have to pay can vary depending on a number of factors. All the same, it'south safe to assume the cost will fall somewhere between the range of $100 and $i,000.

6. Choose a Brewery Location

Choosing a location for your brewery represents a significant investment. Therefore, you must consider a variety of factors to make the best conclusion for you and your brewery's futurity. Consider the following details equally you search for a location to first your brewery:

Zoning: Your brewery location volition be determined past local regime zoning regulations. In most cases, breweries can only be located in zones designated for manufacture. Nevertheless, these regulations can vary depending on where you are, so check in with your local regime before making a decision.
Brewery Requirements: You won't exist able to run a successful brewery if you choose a edifice that doesn't fit your needs. For example, if you plan on producing a large amount of beer, be sure to find a building where you'll exist able to efficiently carry out production.
Edifice Space: Be sure to find a building that has enough space for you and your staff to comfortably work. Key factors to consider include storage space, space for equipment and machines, and possible dining areas for guests. Additionally, find a building that has adequate parking spots for your employees, guests, and yourself.
Safety Precautions: As with any business organisation, the most important affair to consider is rubber. Make sure the building you lot cull will pass safety inspections and let you to safely comport out day-to-24-hour interval operations.

7. Purchase Brewery Equipment

A key step in starting a new brewery is investing in the correct equipment and supplies to first brewing beers and serving customers. While the quality and amount of equipment you demand will vary depending on the size of your business, there are a few essential categories of equipment and supplies that you'll take to buy before you tin go to piece of work.

Beer Brewing Equipment: You can't commencement brewing beer if you don't accept the right equipment. Be sure to invest in fermenters, boiling equipment, and brew kettles to make sure you're set to kickoff making your own brews!
Beer Bottling and Packaging Supplies: Bottling and packaging supplies can help to simplify the packaging process and brand sure that every customer is satisfied with their lodge. Ordinarily used bottling and packaging supplies can range from equipment such equally growler fillers to simple packaging products such every bit labels and beverage shippers.
Keg Borer, Dispensing, and Serving Equipment: If you plan on serving beer on-site, make sure you invest in your own keg tapping, dispensing, and serving equipment. This can include beer dispensers, tap towers, nitro infuser boxes, and pump keg taps.
Refrigeration Equipment: Information technology's essential to invest in refrigeration equipment to continue your brews cool and refreshing. Depending on the size of your brewery, your refrigeration equipment can range from countertop canteen coolers to walk-in refrigerators.
Keg Storage: Keep your brewery organized by shopping for keg storage products. Consider investing resource into keg racks to improve your storage capacity and stay organized. Additionally, purchase hand trucks and pulsate handling equipment to safely and efficiently transport kegs throughout your brewery.
Beer Making Accessories: While they may not be required for the brewing process, beer making accessories can make your brewing experience easier and help you to further customize your brews. Consider buying your own examination strips and meters, stock pots, and portion scales to upgrade your brewing feel.
Beer Glasses: Proceed your brewery stocked with a diverseness of beer glasses to accommodate whatever new brews you might plan on introducing. Examples of the different types of beer glasses include Belgian beer glasses, pilsner beer glasses, and IPA beer glasses.
Beer Ingredients and Flavorings: Stock your kitchen with a variety of beer ingredients and flavorings to make sure you have everything you demand to customize your brews. This includes love, cocktail bitters, woods fries and chunks, liquid malt extract, and a diverseness of other products.

8. Create a Draft Listing and Menu

One time you've caused equipment and established what kind of brewery yous desire to open, you'll have to create a draft list and menu. A counterbalanced typhoon listing allows your guests to choose from a diverseness of beers and helps you to showcase your products. Consider keeping at least one of each of these types of beer characteristics on tap:

Light: The definition of a light beer varies depending on where y'all are in the world. In general, it's described equally a pale beer that features has a reduced alcohol content or amount of calories. Additionally, light beers typically characteristic a lower amount of carbohydrates.
Malt: Malt beers ofttimes feature a rich combination of flavors, often with a hint of sugariness or nuttiness. Despite what their rich flavors may suggest, malt beers come in a multifariousness of colors and alcohol percentages.
Roast: Roasted brews are oft dark in color, are made from highly roasted malt grains, and are distinguishable by their rich flavors and deep colors. Mutual flavors of roasted brews include coffee and cocoa.
Tart: Tart brews, as their names suggest, feature a sour, almost acidic taste. While many tart beers are lighter in color, information technology'due south possible for them to have medium or even darker shades. Their earthy and sometimes fruity taste differentiate them from other brews.
Hoppy: A hoppy beer is defined by it's prominent sweet, bitterness, flavor, and odour. You're likely to get the well-nigh intense flavors in hoppy beers, with the nearly mutual being pine, herbal, and fruity.
High IBU: IBU stands for International Bitterness Units calibration, and exists to measure a beer's bitterness. A beer with a high IBU will exist more bitter than one with a lower IBU.
High ABV: ABV stands for Alcohol by Book, and is a standard measurement to appraise the strength of a beer. A higher ABV means that your beer is more alcoholic.

Brewery Menu

When creating your menu, it's important to choose foods that pair well with beer. Consider calculation the following foods to your menu if yous plan on serving food in your brewery:

French Fries
Onion Rings
Nachos
Wings
Mozzarella Sticks
Sliders
Chips and Dip

9. Advertise Your Brewery

Before you open your new brewery, information technology's essential to start advertizing your new concern to increment public awareness and drum upward excitement for your 1000 opening. The toll of marketing tin vary depending on which forms you use, but in full general, the average small business spends 1-2% of their annual revenue on advert.

Consider using the following forms of advertising as you establish a marketing campaign for your new brewery:

Print Advertising
Billboards and Signage
Radio Commercials
Television set Commercials
Online Advertising

Additionally, depending on your location, you may have the opportunity to enter into a beer festival. Events like these allow a diversity of breweries to showcase their brews for a big number of people, and often characteristic music, amusement, and food.

10. Host a Soft Opening

Once everything is in place, information technology's time to prepare for your grand opening. Before yous officially open your doors to the public, consider hosting a soft opening. Non only does this allow you to continue generating excitement for your new brewery, but it allows you and your staff to prepare for what a normal work day will be like.

Though it may seem like an intimidating job, the process of developing and opening your own brewery is possible to complete equally long as you accept a strong plan, stay prepared, and are set up to work hard. Follow the steps and tips outlined above to guide yourself through the process and successfully open up your new brewery!

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