When opening a commercial brewhouse having the right equipment is integral to the business’s success. In the beginning stages, there will be pieces you can compromise on in favor of the most pertinent investments.
A startup budget will be consumed with much overhead, formalities, and red tape, allowing only enough for the essentials. As time goes on, the best way to navigate the budgetary restrictions is to buy a new piece when another has been paid in full.
It won’t always be like that. For those with the right business plan, a good location, and an established target demographic, the popularity will have you seeing a return on the initial investment, allowing you to increase your brewhouse budget.
That can mean an enhanced brewhouse system to a reputed trusted choice like an ABS option. The priority when developing a system is to be of the optimum standard with an output of the highest quality. Let’s look at commercial brewhouse systems and some of their essential qualities.
What Are The Fundamentals Of A Commercial Brewhouse System
The equipment or system is the most significant investment in a commercial brewhouse. As you “scale up,” costs rise, as does the need for cleaning and maintenance in order to offer quality products that are safe and taste good.
A standard system will include fermentation and boiling tanks, plus a heating source as the brew navigates the process. It is possible to DIY a brewing system for cost-effectiveness, but adequate research is essential, while a degree of first-hand knowledge be most advantageous
- The bottling
A bottling system or canning helps a commercial brewer get their beer in the marketplace. The suggestion is to invest in a system capable of handling what you’re able to produce to avoid the potential for stopped production.
Labeling these containers is essential not only to draw the clientele but also for legal regulations surrounding alcoholic products being sold on the market.
- The kegging
For those who are not kegging for their own supply but instead sending kegs out to bars or restaurants in their local area, storage and keg equipment allows you to do this and charge for the service. Doing this prepares you for the opportunity to “tap kegs” with your brewpub.
Investing in a sufficient storage area and the optimum quality keg system will bring significant returns and lead you in the direction you want to go with your endeavors.
- The technology
“Point of sale” systems are a necessity for the technical side of a commercial brewhouse. These mean handling a lot of the more complicated functions like “budgeting, managing the inventory, sales reporting, and effective communication between the back and front of the house.
Digitization has touched every industry and is responsible for a much more organized, seamless, and straightforward solution to the overall operation of the commercial brewhouse.
What Things Should You Consider Before Brewery System Purchases
The priority with brewery equipment is ensuring you invest in the most suitable pieces for your particular needs if you hope to succeed. Find out the cost associated with starting a brewery at https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/small-business/how-much-does-it-cost-to-start-a-craft-brewery/.
It won’t work to mimic the equipment from another establishment if they have an entirely different operation than what you intend. The qualities to consider when making purchases:
- The quality
The brew’s taste will directly correlate with the system’s quality and impact whether the target demographic chooses it over other options. Investing in the highest quality will be worth it in the end. That includes strength and durability.
Also, take into consideration who in the market is capable of performing repairs and maintenance.
- The work area
A lot of breweries function within substantial warehouse workspaces where it’s convenient to produce large brew batches and work with a grander production scale.
If you’re opening a tap bar that will include a restaurant, you need to consider the space for the bar and an area for the kitchen, plus enough working room for the bartenders and brewmasters.
- The equipment
The stainless steel system can enjoy an extended lifespan with adequate care and upkeep. It’s wise to reach out to a local maintenance and repair specialist, plus gain insight into personal upkeep tasks that will ensure optimum longevity.
In many cases, preventive maintenance contracts can be established with repair contractors. These technicians will also instruct business owners on adequate care and maintenance between regular service calls.
What Are Tips On Developing Your Brewhouse Plan After Establishing your Commercial System
When the commercial system for a brewhouse has been established, it’s time to develop your business plan. Craft breweries are an ideal business opportunity. While the competition is out there, no one has to fight to be recognized. Everyone sees success from their own unique angle.
While the intention initially is to get involved with a “hobby” that eventually turns relatively lucrative for many with minimal risk, whether it’s merely a tap bar or includes a restaurant.
A first step on the path to a successful venture is drafting a detailed business plan to ensure organization, including obtaining the necessary documents and adequate financing. While this will serve as a way to keep you on the right path, it can also serve as a resource if you bring in investors.
Final Thought
Quite a few steps precede opening your commercial brewhouse. First, it will take some time and practice, likely in the home environment, to learn the brewing process and obtain priority pieces to include with your brewhouse system.
As you get closer to moving forward, it’s vital to look at the consumer persona of the target group you hope to reach and incorporate this persona into a thorough business plan.
With sufficient details in your business plan, you can be optimally organized and provide a crucial resource to possible investors or potential business partners.
The priority is making the system a primary investment in only the highest quality equipment. It might not show immediately, but given time, the return will be valuable and worth the extra expense.