If you love craft beer, you’ve probably wondered what it would be like to own your brewery franchise and brew your unique beers. It’s no wonder why – according to the Brewers Association, the number of breweries in the United States grew 12.9% between 2016 and 2020. Customers love coming to a brewery to sample one-of-a-kind flavors, gather with friends, and enjoy the atmosphere.
As of 2022, there were nearly 9,000 craft breweries operating in the United States. You could try to open your brewery – and navigate the challenges involved in getting the necessary equipment, licensing, permits, and everything else that is involved with starting your own brewery. However, more and more people are choosing to buy a brewery franchise instead. Here are four reasons why owning a craft brewery franchise might be the right move for you!
The market is shifting towards craft brews
Millennials, one of the most in-demand consumer demographics, have been leading a rise in profitability in smaller brands that offer more authentic, unique products. According to data from the National Bureau of Economic Research, more than half of millennials say they prefer craft beer to mass-produced brands, and as a demographic, millennials consume 34 percent of all craft beer.
Part of the appeal of visiting a brewery is the opportunity to try something that the customer has never tried before, so a brewery franchise allows you to introduce new, creative products to your local market. Pair unique craft brews with a sophisticated menu that includes small plates as well as full meals, like the menu at Highrail Southern Eatery, and you have a perfect destination for a night out.
A brewery offers something for everyone
The best breweries are the ones with a varied craft beer selection that will appeal to every palate. Light lagers, fruit-influenced sippers, darker ales – all are essential when developing your beer list. Any potential customer should be able to find something that suits their taste. Having a varied selection also means you can offer flights and tastings of your beers, inviting customers to try and fall in love with one of your signature brews!
Having a wide beer selection means having to purchase all the necessary equipment to brew, including kegs, kettles, boilers, bottling or canning lines, labeling machines, fermentation tanks, storage tanks, and more. Getting all the right equipment can be overwhelming for a new business owner, which is why it may be a better move to buy an established craft beer franchise rather than try to do it all on your own. Franchises like Highrail Southern Eatery can advise on the right vendors to provide your supplies, and which equipment is necessary for your microbrew franchise.
Social media offers new opportunities for marketing
The millennial demographic that is driving the rise in craft beer consumption is also the most active demographic on social media. This means they are more likely to snap photos of the food and drinks they’re ordering at your brewery franchise, and share them on social media, potentially tagging your social media accounts in the process! Being able to engage with customers on social media opens new channels to connect with new and repeat customers, and to build your brand awareness as a fun, welcoming beer franchise that has something for everyone.
One of the benefits of franchising is that you have a support network to help you navigate some of the trickier parts of running a business – including marketing. Highrail Southern Eatery already has laid the groundwork for brand awareness and recognition, meaning that part of the marketing work has already been done for you. With the franchiser’s support, you can focus on the best parts of owning your microbrew franchise!
Breweries are popular gathering places.
Breweries generally have a more laid-back atmosphere than the average formal restaurant. Customers order from a bar and then take their drinks to their table. The fluidity means that breweries are an ideal gathering place for friends and family who want to kick back, enjoy their craft beer, and have a conversation. Creating the right atmosphere and aesthetic for your brewery is key to making your guests feel welcome and comfortable, but having to figure out the right site for your establishment and then envision the interior design can be daunting.
The benefit of craft beer franchises like Highrail is that the business model – right down to the interior aesthetic – has already been established. Your franchiser can provide help finding the right site for your american restaurant franchise, and offer guidance on how to renovate and decorate to create the right atmosphere for your guests.
With the rise in popularity of craft beers and breweries, it makes sense to embrace the trends and take the leap of buying your craft beer franchise. Owning a franchise is an ideal way to get into business ownership with all the tools and resources you need to be successful. If you’ve always dreamed about owning a brewery franchise, Highrail Southern Eatery has the perfect opportunity for you!