The Dos and Don’ts of Opening Your Own Craft Brewpub

In case you haven’t noticed, there’s been a recent resurgence of craft brewpubs opening up all over the United States, what with people finally wanting to get together in person again with their friends and loved ones. People are saying that craft brewpubs are to the 2020s what coffeehouses were to the 1990s. (OK, WE said that but we’re not wrong- this thing is blowing up, and we’re stoked to be part of it!)

With the ever-growing popularity of craft beer, it’s no wonder that entrepreneurs are looking to get into this industry. 

But before you open your brewpub, there are a few things you should know. Entrepreneurs need to know the dos and don’ts of opening a craft brew pub. So whether you’re already in the planning stages or just thinking about it, read on for some valuable information

The Dos

Choose the suitable craft brewpub franchise

When you start a craft brewpub, one of the most important things to consider is what kind of beer you will serve. The craft brewing industry grows every year as more consumers look for high-quality and unique beers made with local ingredients. The Franchise Owners and Founders of breweries play an essential role in the success of the craft brewpub business. 

Customers associate themselves with the Founders of popular brew; thus, the brand you sell in your business is vital. You can choose from an established brand or create your craft brewery by purchasing equipment from breweries. It can be a fun way to get started but requires some knowledge about how brewing works before diving into it headfirst and spending money.

Have a well-defined business plan

A well-defined business plan is essential for any new business. The document should outline your goals, strategies, and how you plan on achieving them. It’s also crucial to have a solid financial plan in place so you can estimate your start-up costs and ongoing expenses.

Creating a craft brewpub can be a very profitable venture, but it’s essential to do your homework before opening up the business. Make sure you research the industry trends and target your marketing efforts towards the right audience. Don’t forget to have a detailed business plan that outlines your goals and strategies.

Create a unique and inviting space

When it comes to craft brew pubs, the ambiance is vital. You want your customers to feel comfortable and at home when they walk in the door. It means creating a space that is unique and inviting. It can be helpful to look at other successful craft brewpubs for inspiration and borrow ideas that will work well for your business.

Some things you may want to consider include:

• The type of furniture and decor in the pub
• The lighting scheme
• Whether or not you will have a bar area
• What kind of music do you play

Creating a cozy and welcoming environment is essential for any craft brewpub. Be sure to take your time designing the space and reflect your style.

Make craft brew pub marketing a priority

Marketing is essential for any craft brewpub. You want your customers to know about new beer releases and specials, so they will keep coming back again and again. Creating an integrated marketing strategy online (social media) and offline (flyers/postcards) would be best. 

People can find out when events are happening or what beers are on tap this week at their local craft brewery by following them on Facebook. You may also want to invest in branded merchandise like T-shirts and hats, which effectively generate awareness around businesses while providing value-added items. Merch is not only an awesome extra stream of revenue, but can turn your loyal fans into walking billboards for your pub!

Give Your Employees a Sense of Ownership

When it comes to craft brewpubs, the employees are just as important as the owners. After all, they are the ones who will be serving the customers and helping make your business a success. It would be best to create a positive work environment where employees feel special.

Employees who feel valued and appreciated are more likely to go above and beyond for their job. Showing your appreciation doesn’t have to cost a lot either! A simple thank you or bonus after a busy weekend is often enough to make someone feel appreciated. Bottom line: if your staff is feeling the love, they’ll show up ready to rock and leave the drama at the door!

The Don’ts

Don’t open a craft brewpub without proper licensing

Opening a craft brewpub is exciting, but it can also be stressful. One of the most important things you need to do before opening your doors for business is get all of the necessary permits and licenses from both federal and state governments, as applicable. The process might take months or even years, so make sure that there is enough space between now and then for everything to come together seamlessly when launching operations. And there’s nothing quite like having The Man show up to shut you down to put a damper on your grand opening. Better safe than sorry!

Don’t neglect craft brewpub financing options

Financing is critical when opening a craft brew pub like any other business. You will need to have enough money to cover your initial and ongoing rent, utilities, and inventory. There are various financing options available to small businesses, so be sure to explore all of them before deciding.

One mistake that many new business owners make is neglecting their finances. Don’t make the same mistake! Make sure you have a solid financial plan in place and line up the necessary funding needed to open your craft brewpub.

Don’t open your craft brewpub without proper business insurance

Another mistake that craft brewpub owners make is not having the right insurance for their business. Having craft brewery liability coverage will protect you from potential lawsuits and financial loss if something happens at your establishment. It’s essential to have this type of protection before opening up shop – let’s face it, accidents happen, and you don’t want to be on the wrong end of a catastrophe without the right insurance.

Wrapping up

Owning a craft brewpub can be a highly rewarding and fun experience, but it’s also important to get your ducks in a row before opening your doors. Before you launch your business, you must think about it and be prepared. It’s essential to have good craft beer marketing ideas and invite the space with proper licensing permits. (A little creativity and personality to help your pub stand out from the rest of the pack never hurts either!)

Make marketing your priority in your pub business. A well-defined business plan also helps craft brewpub owners succeed. It’s essential to have the right insurance before opening up shop because accidents happen.

Franchising with Voodoo Brewing Co. can help aspiring craft beer entrepreneurs avoid some of the pitfalls of owning a pub– and between us, we can make it a hell of a lot more fun too!

 Visit our franchise website today to learn more about how we can help you open the coolest craft brewpub in town.