Could a growler-only shop make it?

Craft & Growler in Dallas does pretty well. It's a growler fill station that's also a bar. I think there's a market for it, especially when the beer stores here don't fill growlers.

 

Yeah but that's in Texas. We are way behind the curve and getting a growler outside of Dallas is virtually impossible. Especially in the northern suburbs. Every other state bars serve growlers, with bombers that you can open and drink at the bar. Our breweries can barley serve the beer the brew at the brewery.

 

http://ashevillegrowler.com/home-page/
Asheville Growler seems to be doing pretty well with 20 taps and no bottles. I found them on a locator app when I was passing through. Pints on premises and a few different size growlers to go. Good mix of local NC brews along with nice out-of-state offerings. Guy pouring knew his stuff, and the few people sipping were hospitable and talkative. I think they might have entertainment some nights. If OP is heading down I-40 soon, it would be worth a stop.

 

If it was a bar as well maybe, but if it was nothing but growler fills I don't really see the sense in it.

 

I think the key is that they're also a bar. I don't think a lot of people would travel to Fair Park just for growlers (not enough to keep them afloat anyways). Plus they have the added advantage of having the best filling system in town. Their growlers last for weeks and there really isn't anyone else with as good a system.

 

The bars here are really stingy with filling growlers, so I never do it. I definitely think a shop in a market like ours with only growler fills could make it if they had an interesting selection.

 

I live in Chattanooga, TN and we have three very successful growler fill spots in the city; Heaven & Ale, Sturm Haus Beer Market, and The Growler. They also do pints and flights and partner with local food trucks to park outside their establishment. Business is booming for those guys. Heaven & Ale is actually building a second location. And that is with 10+ other growler fill locations within a few miles. They partner with a lot of local breweries and put on some great events. I think there is a market for that, especially in areas that are craving craft beer and really into local breweries, which Chattanooga is right now.

 

We recently just got "the growler guys" (google them) opening their fourth store (1st in Wa; other 3 in Or). They got 42 taps (1 is root beer, though). They have in my opinion a great selection of beers from WA, Or, Ca, Ak, Mt, and Co, as well as incorporating the small local breweries. They always seem busy when I stop in. With that said, I find their prices can be a little high at times. The usual price is $10.99 for a 64 ounce growler (some even higher) and I can go to a local grocery and pick up a sixer of the same beer for less. Naturally, for the beers I can't find in the store, $10.99 seems like a good deal.

 

There's a growler fill only shop near my parent's house in Marietta, GA. I went in there once to see what they had it was a decent selection. Apparently it's been there a few years, so I guess that business plan can survive.

 

I live in a small college town in Statesboro, GA where people's idea of buying the good stuff is Corona or woodchuck. There's a growler only station here and they have been open for several months. I never see more than to cars there ever but I guess they are making money somewhere. I've been there a few times and they really don't have anything I want to buy. A lot of Abita and a local brewery called Eagle Creek. They did have st. Bernadus Christmas ale and New hollands dragon's milk. But that is the exception, not the rule.

 

The Growler Room here in Austin just opened their second location. Their selection focuses mainly on local/Texas stuff, but they usually have something like Ballast Point or Founders on tap too. They seem to be doing just fine. And they'll be getting more of my business now that they have this new south location...

 

Growler Beers UK just opened up in Edinburgh last year. Actually haven't been there yet myself but they seem to be doing OK and so far they've had a cracking range of beers.

 

If you could find a sliver of a store front with a basement and a knack for stocking both exciting and unit shifters, then sure. So as long as the demographic shows a demand.

 

The Growler Station in NYC didn't last long. They were a growler fill store and had a selection of bottles as well.

 

I could see a small shop (250 sq/ft) in a small downtown area with foot traffic doing well with 10 well-curated taps. Half of those would need to be rare or draft only. Bonus points for a good fill system.

 

It boils down to selection and price. If you are pouring pints and flights along with your growlers and have a descent atmosphere...in theory it should work. A good selection is a must and as far as pricing goes a 64 oz growler pours 4 pints or about 5 regular 12 oz beers. I'm of the mind that beers that are easily gotten should be around $10 a growler and as they get rarer the prices increase. I think if you have a reasonable starting price point for the customer, you'll create a loyal base of returning business...and as that base becomes more comfortable with the establishment will branch out and try more expensive offerings.

I also think some kind of food should be present...love the food truck idea. Our local brewery lets you bring food in or have pizzas delivered. They also serve pretzel for free...

For me atmosphere is a must...or I would just go home and drink by myself? You want people to STAY and SPEND. With this type of business you have to have regulars that want to spend a few hours relaxing while they part with their cash.

 

Vino sfuso(basically buying growlers of wine, 1 liter, 2 liter, or 5 liter containers) is commonplace here in supermarkets and specialty shops. I'm waiting for someone with capital or an existing beer shop to make the leap and say "hey, let's do that, but with beer!"
I think a shop like that could do well, there are already a couple shops in town that sell solely vino sfuso, as long as it's well run with a decent selection and rotating options. And most importantly it would need to be in a good location with lots of pedestrians.

 

location, location , location.

 

So basically a bar that only serves 32-64oz at a time, and requires you to leave before drink you it. Not a chance.