On the heels of a momentous year that included opening pubs in eight new states and awarding nearly 40 new franchises, national craft beverage franchise Growler USA announced plans for explosive growth in 2017. The brand plans to open 25 of the 40 new locations this year, with this demand driven largely by growth in the craft beer industry and a simple operating model.
Growler USA is a microbrew pub dedicated to offering only 100 percent American-made craft beverages and a food menu designed and engineered to celebrate the flavors of each drink. Each location offers a variety of regional and nationally recognized beverages, and remains True to the Brew with up to 100 taps of craft beer, hard cider, draught wine, and hand-crafted non-alcoholic beverages such as craft root beer and kombucha tea.
In 2017, the brand plans to open 25 new locations, including ones in Rogers, Arkansas; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Omaha, Nebraska; and Colorado Springs, Colorado that will open in the first quarter. Additional areas the brand is targeting include Kansas City; St. Louis, Missouri; and Columbia, South Carolina.
“Growler USA is uniquely positioned to champion the craft beverage industry,” says Dan White, founder and CEO. “In the year ahead, we will focus on expanding our footprint and continuing to support America’s craft brewers. We are seeking franchisees to join us in new and existing markets throughout the country.”
Growler USA opened its flagship corporate pub to the Denver-area earlier this year, a move that will set the pace for all future franchise locations. The new prototype includes significant changes to the kitchen including adding equipment that is going to allow the brand to “craft” the perfect menu for its beer program.
Last year, Growler USA opened its first franchise location in Charlotte, North Carolina, and debuted pubs in Phoenix, Arizona; Katy, Texas; Austin, Texas; Redmond, Washington; Atlanta; Honolulu; and Tallahassee, Florida. The franchise also inked deals to bring more than 40 locations to 18 states.
Growler USA currently has nine pubs throughout the country. Leading-edge technology that simplifies operations for franchisees is integrated into the Growler USA business model, with technology-driven programs to streamline beer monitoring operations. Locations require 2,500 to 3,000 square feet of retail space, including back-of-house operations, and no prior food or restaurant experience is needed. The total investment range to open a Growler USA pub ranges from $556,148-$895,519.
