The craft brew scene has been going strong for decades now. But it has really taken over in the past half-decade all across the country. For many entrepreneurs, it really is now viable to turn one of their greatest passions into a viable, sustainable business.
Opening a brewery won't be easy. This can never just be a hobby if it's going to work as a real company. Like any good business, it will take dedication, discipline, and drive. It will monopolize a lot of your time — especially early on — and you really need to love this to make it succeed.
That said, if you really are thinking about launching your own venture or already well on your way to opening the doors, there are a few key practical factors that you cannot overlook. The following represent just a couple of the lesser-discussed considerations that you must address head on if you're going to make a good go of it.
Different states and jurisdictions have different rules when it comes to setting up a business that sells beer or alcohol. You will likely need a state wholesaler’s license, for example, in addition to local licenses that may consist of selling beer on site such as a taproom license. Operating a brewery also requires filing and obtaining a license with the federal Alcohol and Tobacco Trade and Tax Bureau. This should be understood early on and you need to map out a course to fulfill all the requirements well within your timeline to formally open.
While many aspects of craft brewing today are easier than ever, one challenge is standing out from the pack. No matter where you are these days, there are likely several other beer-makers nearby that are putting out good products. Yours will hopefully be just as good — and better! But you need to develop an identity, both through your styles and flavors as well as your name, logo, packaging, social media presence, and advertising. Some people who are all about taste and the art of the craft look past these branding and marketing aspects as the cares of dull businessmen in suits and corner offices. But you can't think that way. These finer details of branding will be critical to getting your name out there — and your beer into peoples' glasses.
With all the time you put into finding and outfitting a location, the flooring may seem like an afterthought. You are probably giving attention to the overall aesthetics and design of the place — especially if having it open to the public for tours or drinks is a primary goal. But people all too often don't pay their brewery flooring enough mind. It is an essential part of the facility in many ways, specifically when it comes to durability, lifespan, and safety. Concrete, epoxy and polyurethane are all popular options, and properly preparing the surface is a very important part of the process no matter the material. Above all else, be sure not to forget about what comes beneath. You'll be walking — and relying — on this critical part of the facility every single day.
There is a lot that will go into the launch and success of any craft brewery. The factors listed above are but a few of the key things that many people don't put enough thought into. But they remain very important nevertheless.
You must ensure that you take care of all the legal considerations and permits. You cannot forget about the need to build a unique and identifiable brand. And you shouldn't overlook the need to install the right flooring.
With all this taken care of, you can then focus on all the other critical areas of business development and brewing some great beer that all your customers will love. If you get all this right, soon, everyone will be able to get to taste your unique creation — and you will enjoy a newfound taste for success.