We are opening a brewery in Colorado. We are considering manufacturing only but wonder if we should consider a brewpub instead? Any thoughts on this and the start-up size?
I'd say why not have at least a tap room? Also, 7bbl would be the smallest I would look, if you want to make some profit out of the gate. If you haven't seen this, it may be worth a read: http://www.soundbrew.com/small.html
I know I want to open one as well and I would definitely go the tap room route. Most people willl want to enjoy having a beer in the place that it was made and talk with the people that made it.
I guess it depends on where you're looking at, but I can't think of many places around here that don't at least have some kind of tasting room. I know that places like GD and Avery didn't really have anything formal for a while, but these days it's borderline expected. It doesn't have to be much, but at least a few taps and small bar. Any idea where you're thinking of? While Denver seems to be getting a new brewery every other week, there are huge areas of the state that are all but barren. There are even a few barren Denver 'burbs that could use something. I'd scout things out for competition.
Southeast Aurora, near the Southlands Mall, would be an awesome place to open a brewery/tap room. Someone open one around here please! It's all barren up in here!
Sounds like someone needs to develop a business plan. Maybe a visit to do some market research Location is largely going to dictate your starting equipment. Renegade - 15bbl River North - 15bbl Hogshead - 10bbl Lone Tree - 7bbl Big Choice - 7bbl Arvada - 7bbl TVRE - 3bbl Strange - started 1bbl, quickly upgraded to 7bbl Copper Kettle - started at 3bbl (now at 3x 10bbl fermenters)
I think you should look into Parker. Only one small brewery and the town's development is blowing up!
"If you are a brewpub, you can carry beer from other breweries." Dad and Dude's If you are a brerwpub you must serve food and, if you have over 15 seats, you must have 2 bathrooms. Roger
