What is inside this brewery and taproom business plan
The download is a complete sample plan for Copper Kettle Brewing Co., a fictional brewery and taproom business, written so you can see what a finished plan looks like and then swap in your own details. It includes all twelve sections lenders and investors expect:
- Executive summary
- Company description
- Products and services
- Market analysis
- Competition
- Marketing and sales
- Operations, licenses and permits
- Management and staffing
- Key performance indicators
- Risks and mitigation
- Financial plan with startup costs and 3-year projection
- Funding request and appendix checklist
Who your brewery and taproom business will serve
Typical customers
- Local craft beer drinkers
- Tourists and beer travelers
- Bars and restaurants on draft
- Retail stores for cans
Products and services to describe
- Taproom pints and flights
- Crowlers and growlers to go
- Draft accounts
- Canned beer for retail
- Event space rental
Common revenue streams
- Taproom sales (highest margin)
- Wholesale and distribution
- Events and merchandise
Brewery and Taproom startup costs
These rough ranges are a starting point for your own budget. Real costs depend heavily on your city, the size of the operation and whether you buy new or used. Get quotes and replace them in your plan.
| Startup cost | Typical low | Typical high |
|---|---|---|
| Brewhouse and fermentation tanks | $100,000 | $600,000 |
| Building lease and build-out | $50,000 | $400,000 |
| Taproom furniture and bar | $20,000 | $80,000 |
| Federal and state licensing | $2,000 | $10,000 |
| Canning or kegs | $20,000 | $100,000 |
| Opening ingredients and supplies | $10,000 | $30,000 |
| Working capital reserve | $40,000 | $120,000 |
| Estimated total | $242,000 | $1,340,000 |
Build your own budget with the free startup costs calculator.
Sample 3-year projection
The template includes an illustrative projection for a brewery and taproom business with first-year revenue of $700,000 and a 65% gross margin. Use it to see the shape of the numbers, then build your own with the 3-year financial projections spreadsheet.
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | $700,000 | $875,000 | $1,006,000 |
| Gross profit | $455,000 | $568,750 | $653,900 |
| Operating expenses | $432,250 | $475,475 | $513,513 |
| Net income before tax | $22,750 | $93,275 | $140,387 |
Key numbers to track
- Barrels produced
- Production volume.
- Taproom share of sales
- Higher share means higher margins.
- Revenue per barrel
- Blends taproom and wholesale pricing.
- Tank utilization
- Capacity in use.
Licenses and permits to research
- TTB brewer's notice
- State manufacturer and retail licenses
- Local zoning and health permits
- Wastewater permits
Requirements differ by state, county and city. Check with your local business licensing office, health department or Small Business Development Center before you open.
Marketing ideas for a brewery and taproom business
- Taproom events and trivia
- Mug clubs
- Food truck partnerships
- Seasonal release launches
Risks lenders will ask about
- Long licensing timelines
- High capital needs
- A crowded craft beer market
- Distribution laws
Tips for writing your brewery and taproom business plan
- Show the licensing timeline and carrying costs.
- Separate taproom and wholesale revenue.
- Include production capacity by month.
Prefer a guided version?
Answer questions one section at a time and download your finished plan as a Word file.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to open a brewery?
Small taproom breweries often cost $500,000 to $1.5 million or more once equipment, build-out and working capital are included.
How long does brewery licensing take?
Federal and state approvals often take several months, so plans should include rent and payroll during that waiting period.
Is this brewery and taproom business plan template really free?
Yes. Download the Word or PDF file and use it for your own business at no cost, with no sign-up required. Replace the example text and numbers with your own.
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