I just couldn’t think of what to write about this week, so I thought I would invite your question - if you have any - on any brewing topic you can think of.
I looked Dan but couldn't see it. There are web sites that that do a cursory comparison, but better to just check with an existing brewery or state guild in the state you are interested in.
Rick sorry to get back so late to you. The TTB is very easy. Just go online, set up an account (TTB.gov), click on beer, and there is a tutorial to get you through. There are a lot of forms to be filled out and you can do them one at a time and save them. Don't hit submit until you are completely done. You can't submit until you actually have a space. It explains it all. For your other question, if you set up an LLC or a corporation, it protects you if someone sues the brewery. That said, if you are leasing your space or borrow money from a bank, you will most likely have to sign a personal guarantee, so if it fails the lender or landlord can still go after your assets. To me that's a great motivator to succeed! To form you company get a business attorney. I always do corporations with a Sub S election. Many do an LLC. An attorney will explain. It should cost about $1,000. You are smart going brewpub. I never recommend a packaging brewery!
Oops, I must not have replied on the right comment. That question was for the commenter Tommy Cole on this thread to learn where he is located because I’m also in the southern region.
Sorry about that :-)
Thanks again for taking the time to write these articles!
Hey Tom I would love some additional discussion and numbers on the take home profit of a good brewpub or taproom brewery. I want to do it, but would like some idea of is there enough profit etc to support a family on. Thanks!
Hey Tom, my buddies and I live in a small Southern city of about 21,000 residents and near a bigger city of 200,000. The bigger city has 2 breweries and our small city has none. How would you go about determining if there is enough demand for a small brewpub?
In planning our brewpub, I’ve been told that it would be best to find an attorney who specializes in breweries. Do you feel this is necessary? I’m planning on submitting the TTB application, our LLC has already been formed and our accountant does have brewery accounting experience.
I’d need advice regarding financial agreements with the banks, SBA and contracts relative to grant funding available from our state and county. I’d also like good advice on my personal liabilities and protecting personal assets unrelated to my brewery.
With all that said, Is there a reason that an attorney that specializes in breweries would be needed over an attorney versed in business law? We’ll be operating a brewpub and will not be distributing our beer.
Another idea for an article could be about if any of your former students have ever used your brewpub SOPs/set up but incorporated them into an entirely different business. It would be interesting to see how they used these great ideas in another type of business besides a brewpub. Has anyone set up a coffee roastery, craft soda, ice cream shop, bakery, etc. instead of a brewery after completing your course? It could be interesting to see how they started their business and what makes them successful.
I looked Dan but couldn't see it. There are web sites that that do a cursory comparison, but better to just check with an existing brewery or state guild in the state you are interested in.
Rick sorry to get back so late to you. The TTB is very easy. Just go online, set up an account (TTB.gov), click on beer, and there is a tutorial to get you through. There are a lot of forms to be filled out and you can do them one at a time and save them. Don't hit submit until you are completely done. You can't submit until you actually have a space. It explains it all. For your other question, if you set up an LLC or a corporation, it protects you if someone sues the brewery. That said, if you are leasing your space or borrow money from a bank, you will most likely have to sign a personal guarantee, so if it fails the lender or landlord can still go after your assets. To me that's a great motivator to succeed! To form you company get a business attorney. I always do corporations with a Sub S election. Many do an LLC. An attorney will explain. It should cost about $1,000. You are smart going brewpub. I never recommend a packaging brewery!
Scott, I'm in Ridgway, Colorado. I'm getting some great questions and look forward to digging into them
Oops, I must not have replied on the right comment. That question was for the commenter Tommy Cole on this thread to learn where he is located because I’m also in the southern region.
Sorry about that :-)
Thanks again for taking the time to write these articles!
Hey Tom I would love some additional discussion and numbers on the take home profit of a good brewpub or taproom brewery. I want to do it, but would like some idea of is there enough profit etc to support a family on. Thanks!
North Augusta, SC
Hey Tom, my buddies and I live in a small Southern city of about 21,000 residents and near a bigger city of 200,000. The bigger city has 2 breweries and our small city has none. How would you go about determining if there is enough demand for a small brewpub?
What area/town are you located?
Is there a single source to see liquor laws by state for comparison purposes?
Hi Tom,
In planning our brewpub, I’ve been told that it would be best to find an attorney who specializes in breweries. Do you feel this is necessary? I’m planning on submitting the TTB application, our LLC has already been formed and our accountant does have brewery accounting experience.
I’d need advice regarding financial agreements with the banks, SBA and contracts relative to grant funding available from our state and county. I’d also like good advice on my personal liabilities and protecting personal assets unrelated to my brewery.
With all that said, Is there a reason that an attorney that specializes in breweries would be needed over an attorney versed in business law? We’ll be operating a brewpub and will not be distributing our beer.
Thanks for all you do!
Cheers,
Rick
How do you know you've found the right head or lead brewer?
Another idea for an article could be about if any of your former students have ever used your brewpub SOPs/set up but incorporated them into an entirely different business. It would be interesting to see how they used these great ideas in another type of business besides a brewpub. Has anyone set up a coffee roastery, craft soda, ice cream shop, bakery, etc. instead of a brewery after completing your course? It could be interesting to see how they started their business and what makes them successful.
Hello Mr. Hennessy,
I would be interested in learning more regarding the topics of “Security and Safety” at a business.
Some ideas for this topic:
-How to make a building, business, employees and customers safe
-Policies for dealing with customers and employees if a security issue arises
-Recommended security systems, lighting and cameras
-Tips on how to create a safe building environment
-Recommendations on how to safely open in the morning and close your store at night
-Any issues you might have experienced and how you responded
-How to deal with disgruntled customers or employees/etc.