Dreaming of Opening a Brewpub? Here Are 4 Things to Know.

02.25.21 | Business Planning
Opening a Brewpub

Has your love of craft beer become a plan to open your own brewpub? If so, you’re not alone. The popularity of these establishments has exploded in recent years, and consumers still can’t get enough. If you want to make the most of this growing interest—and opening a brewpub is one of your dreams—it’s important to know what you should expect.

Here are four things to know about opening a brewpub…

1) There will be plenty of red tape

For many restauranteurs, jumping through hoops to get a liquor license is one of the most frustrating aspects of opening an eatery. Unfortunately, the process can get even more complicated when you’re starting a brewpub.

In Ontario, you’ll need a By The Glass license for your taproom, a Manufacturer’s license to sell your beer to the LCBO, and a Liquor Sales License to produce and serve it on the same site. You must also pay a beer tax and obtain support from the local community (to meet the “municipal resolution requirement”). In other words, opening a brewery comes with a lot of homework—so read up!

2) You’ll need a ton of infrastructure

No doubt about it, the equipment you’ll need to start brewing will cost you a pretty penny. Kettles, kegs, boilers, fermentation tanks, a glycol chiller, piping…the list goes on and on. There’s also a very good chance that you’ll need to shell out some more money for building upgrades (like electrical and plumbing).

Acquiring everything you need is no easy feat. The time and cost involved (think hundreds of thousands, if not more) has deterred many would-be brewers, so make sure you know what you need ahead of time.

The good news is, you don’t necessarily need to buy everything top-of-the-line. Just make sure that the items you purchase can do the job—and be aware of how much beer you can produce with them (as increasing your capacity, later on, can be a challenge).

3) You should look for support

You’re going to have to deal with a lot of bureaucracy—from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission to the city clerk’s office. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be unpleasant. Believe it or not, these officials can be very supportive. If you show the necessary patience, they’re typically more than happy to help you navigate the process.

As a rule, you’ll probably want to seek out expertise wherever you can find it. From the contractor who makes sure all your construction is done right to the agent who helps you find the perfect space, the professionals you surround yourself with could be your greatest resource.

4) Delays are to be expected

Opening a brewpub can be very time-consuming. It’s not just about creating a workable business plan and raising the necessary funds. Once you begin to collect your equipment and set up your infrastructure, there are bound to be some bumps in the road.

Between meeting licensing requirements and coordinating necessary construction, there’s a lot that goes into making it to opening day. There’s a very high likelihood of delays—and a whole lot of paperwork.

While starting up a brewpub almost always comes with a few challenges, it’s worthwhile if it’s your dream. By carrying out each step with care and forethought, you can greatly improve the chances that your venture will be a success.

Ready to get your brewpub off the ground? Get in touch to find the right location—and take the first step toward success!