Tom Wilmes


The Many Reasons Breweries Have to Close

Increased competition, slowed growth, and other market forces can conspire to expose weaknesses in otherwise successful breweries. Make corrections early to avoid becoming a craft-beer casualty.

Case Study: Neshaminy Creek Brewing Co.

Pennsylvania’s Neshaminy Creek Brewing Co. has remained flexible in adapting its business plan and operations as needed and has charted a route to sustained growth in the process.

Case Study: Jack's Abby Craft Lagers

As Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers has grown from a niche start-up to one of the country’s fastest-growing breweries and a major player in Northeast markets, its founders—three brothers—have leaned on family values to progress with purpose.

Put Excess Capacity to Work

Breweries expanding operations to meet future demand can take advantage of an uptick of interest in contract brewing and packaging to help allay upfront costs.

Case Study: Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project

Crooked Stave was founded in the spirit of methodical and relentless exploration—which has led to some serendipitous discoveries and developments (including a remarkable amount of vertical integration for a brand their size) as the brewery has grown.

Case Study: Great Notion Brewing

Thanks to a commitment to growing deliberately and strategically even when faced with outsized consumer demand, Great Notion Brewing had an amazing first year and is headed into the next phase in a long conversation that started in a garage not long ago.

Planning for Uncertainty

Brewery owners do the best they can with what data they have when forecasting production and expansion projects, but sometimes projections fall short. Here are several strategies and considerations to make sure you're covered.

Making Sense of Dollars In and Dollars Out

Calculating and keeping close track of the total costs that go into each unit of beer sold help brewery owners better understand the health and efficiency of their operations

Editor’s Note: Brewing Industry Guide Fall 2017

Find some ideas, inspiration, and insight in this special issue of Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine®.

Performing at Peak Efficiency

Beyond strictly keeping track of dollars and cents, remaining in tune with less tangible metrics, such as employee and customer satisfaction, helps keep a brewery operating at peak efficiency.