Craft Brewery & Taproom

Craft breweries create unique beers and sell through an on-site taproom, distribution to bars/restaurants, and packaged sales.

You lease industrial space for brewing equipment, obtain federal and state licenses, purchase brewing systems, develop recipes, and build a local following.

Success requires both brewing expertise and business acumen.

Revenue streams include taproom sales (highest margins), distributing kegs to accounts, and canning/bottling for retail.

Taprooms often add food trucks or partner with restaurants to keep customers longer.

Startup costs are substantial - brewing equipment ($100,000-500,000+), space buildout, licenses, and initial ingredients.

Profit margins: taproom pints offer 80%+ margins while distribution is 40-60%.

The industry is competitive but locally-focused breweries build dedicated followings through quality beer, community events, and unique atmosphere.

Most successful breweries focus on taproom experience first, then selectively distribute.

Challenges include expensive equipment, complex regulations, and capital intensity.

Brewing is passion-driven but requires serious business discipline to succeed.

Many brewers start homebrewing, work in the industry, then launch their own brewery.