How to start a brewery, build a brewery, brewery equipment, starting a brewery
Do Your Research
If you are considering starting a brewery, then the venture should begin with a proper education. Visit breweries—a lot of them! We’re not encouraging a drinking habit here, but it is a great idea to do some research. Really evaluate the various establishments. What do you like? What do you hate? What makes the patrons happy? Learn from the mistakes of others, of course, but also don’t be afraid to borrow some of the great ideas, too.
Find the Right Location
Ask a real estate agent what the most important aspect of a property is when determining its value, and he or she is sure to respond, “location, location, location.” The same is true when selecting the right place to open your business. You should be asking yourself questions, such as, ‘how much foot traffic is there?’ and ‘how close by are the competitors?’ You should also consider the location of potential collaborators, what code restrictions exist for the property, and how much traffic the areas sees in an average day.
“Find the right location. It is a HUGE deal. Plan on spending more money than you think, like a lot more. Nothing costs hundreds of dollars in the brewing business, only thousands.”
– Joe Garcia, Co-Founder of NoFo Brew Co
Consider How Patrons Will Get Home Safely
You’ll want to be sure that your business will be exposed to passersby, but you should also consider the part played by public transportation. Opening a brew pub in a location public transportation increases the likelihood of bigger crowds, and it also provides an option for those who have had a few beers and shouldn’t be driving home. An area not regularly serviced by taxis, Ubers, busses, or metro likely is not the best place to build a brewery.
Weigh your Options
In some cases, it’s easier to have a head start. While starting a brewery from scratch does allow for complete customization, it’s wise to also consider what advantages come with buying out an existing pub, restaurant, or similar venue. Much of the leg work will have already been done for you, and there may even be an existing customer base to build upon.
Evaluate the Space
Once you have narrowed done the area in which you want to operate, it’s time to consider what buildings or floor plans are available to you. If walking an existing space, carefully consider the flow of the space, as well as the placement (and type) or power supply. Brewery equipment is often specifically designed and laid out based on the power supply in the building.
When walking a space, it’s imperative to look for what type of power the building has and what shape its in. Brewhouse pumps and electrical equipment are specifically designed around the power supply from the building. Additionally, in most cases 110v supply is not going to be enough to operate this commercial equipment. A building already outfitted with 220 or better is going to suit your business plan much better.