How to Start a Brewery in 2024
Posted by Grace Lee-Weitz, February 27, 2024
UPDATED: 2/26/2024
Without a doubt the craft beer industry has faced some serious headwinds over the past few years. Overall, the Brewers Association reports that in 2022 the industry has seen “mixed signs of recovery.” According to the organization’s Year in Beer 2022, there are now 9,500 breweries operating in the United States, with 550+ new ones opening and only 200+ closing in 2022.
With so many breweries in the marketplace, the road to success isn’t the unpaved path it used to be. We’ve seen former financial advisors, consultants, head brewers, and many more all begin their own businesses. But whether you’re looking at a serious career change or a brewer taking the next step, the question remains the same: Where do you begin when figuring out how to start a brewery?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ve laid out all the important considerations and steps you’ll need to take if you’re looking to open your own taproom or production space.
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Everything You Need to Know About Food Service Licenses
Posted by Grace Lee-Weitz, March 18, 2022
Food is an integral part of any restaurant, bar, and brewery. For a brewery or bar serving food, whether it’s through their own kitchen, a food truck, a pop-up, or another option, it keeps customers in the taproom longer, increases average check amounts, and adds to a better overall experience.
“If you do sell food as a brewery, you will also sell more beer,” says Tim McLaughlin, CEO and Founder of GoTab, a Restaurant Commerce Platform (RCP) used by large and mid-sized restaurants, breweries, bars, and hotels. “If you’re a brewery that does not sell food, you should find a truck or some other way to sell food.” According to McLaughlin, GoTab has worked with many breweries that have done studies and every single one finds they sell more beer when they sell food.
And while there are many considerations to designing a food menu kitchen, arguably the most important first step is to apply for a food service license.
A restaurant, bar, or brewery needs the necessary permits to legally serve food. We’re going to be blunt here: Getting a food service license can be a tedious process, but as a business owner it is crucial that you follow all the necessary steps.
Without the proper permits and licensing, you won’t be able to legally serve food and could potentially miss out on a crucial boost to your bottom line.
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