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How much space do I need in my brewpub for brewing, seating, and the kitchen?

This article was written by our expert who is surveying the industry and constantly updating business plan for a brewpub.

Our business plan for a brewpub will help you succeed in your project.

How much space do you need in your brewpub to comfortably fit brewing equipment, seating, and a kitchen without feeling cramped?

What's the smallest space needed for a brewpub's brewing area?

How much room should be set aside for seating in a brewpub?

What's the ideal size for a brewpub kitchen?

How much space do fermentation tanks require in a brewpub?

What's the best ceiling height for a brewpub's brewing area?

How much storage space is necessary for raw materials in a brewpub?

How big should the bar area be in a brewpub?

What size should a cold storage room be in a brewpub?

How much space should restrooms take up in a brewpub?

How much room should be allocated for staff areas in a brewpub?

What's the typical size for a brewpub's outdoor seating area?

How much space is needed for waste management in a brewpub?

These are questions we frequently receive from entrepreneurs who have downloaded the business plan for a brewpub. We’re addressing them all here in this article. If anything isn’t clear or detailed enough, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

The Right Formula to Determine Space Requirements for Brewing, Seating, and Kitchen in Your Brewpub

  • 1. Determine the target capacity:

    Decide on the number of patrons you want to accommodate at any given time in your brewpub.

  • 2. Calculate space for the brewing area:

    Choose the size of your brewing system and determine the space required for equipment, including fermenters, a brewhouse, and storage for raw materials. Consider additional space for a small office and staff restroom.

  • 3. Plan the seating area:

    Allocate space per patron to ensure a comfortable dining experience. Multiply the space per patron by the target capacity to find the total seating area required, including room for tables, chairs, and aisles.

  • 4. Design the kitchen space:

    Estimate the space needed for the kitchen based on the menu offerings. Include areas for cooking equipment, prep areas, and storage.

  • 5. Consider circulation space:

    Account for additional space needed for walkways, waiting areas, and other circulation needs to ensure smooth operations.

  • 6. Calculate the total space required:

    Add up the space for brewing, staff facilities, seating, kitchen, and circulation to determine the total space needed for your brewpub.

An Illustrated Example to Adapt

Swap the bold elements with your values for a tailored result for your project.

To help you better understand, let’s take a fictional example. Imagine you are planning to open a brewpub with a target capacity of 100 patrons at any given time.

For the brewing area, you decide to start with a 7-barrel brewing system, which typically requires around 300 square feet for the equipment, including fermenters, a brewhouse, and storage for raw materials. Additionally, you need space for a small office and a restroom for staff, adding another 100 square feet.

For the seating area, you want to provide a comfortable dining experience, allocating 15 square feet per patron, which totals 1,500 square feet (100 patrons x 15 square feet). This space includes room for tables, chairs, and aisles.

The kitchen, which will serve a full menu, requires approximately 400 square feet to accommodate cooking equipment, prep areas, and storage. To ensure smooth operations, you also need to consider circulation space, such as walkways and waiting areas, which can add another 200 square feet.

Therefore, the total space required for your brewpub is calculated as follows: 300 square feet for brewing + 100 square feet for staff facilities + 1,500 square feet for seating + 400 square feet for the kitchen + 200 square feet for circulation, resulting in a total of 2,500 square feet.

This comprehensive plan ensures that each area of your brewpub is adequately sized to meet operational needs and provide a pleasant experience for your patrons.

With our financial plan for a brewpub, you will get all the figures and statistics related to this industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum square footage required for a small brewpub brewing area?

For a small brewpub, the brewing area typically requires a minimum of 500 to 1,000 square feet.

This space should accommodate the brewing equipment, fermentation tanks, and storage for raw materials.

Efficient layout and design can help maximize the use of this space.

How much space should be allocated for seating in a brewpub?

The seating area in a brewpub should generally be around 60% to 70% of the total floor space.

This allows for comfortable seating arrangements and ensures a good flow of customers.

Consideration should be given to the type of seating, such as bar stools, tables, or booths, to optimize space.

What is the recommended kitchen size for a brewpub?

A brewpub kitchen typically requires 300 to 500 square feet to operate efficiently.

This space should accommodate cooking equipment, prep areas, and storage for ingredients.

Proper kitchen design is crucial to ensure smooth operations and compliance with health regulations.

How much space is needed for fermentation tanks in a brewpub?

Fermentation tanks in a brewpub usually require 100 to 200 square feet per tank, depending on their size.

It's important to consider the height of the space as tanks can be quite tall.

Proper spacing between tanks is necessary for maintenance and safety.

What is the ideal ceiling height for a brewpub brewing area?

The brewing area in a brewpub should have a ceiling height of at least 12 to 15 feet.

This height accommodates the brewing equipment and allows for proper ventilation.

Higher ceilings can also help with heat dissipation and create a more open atmosphere.

How much storage space is needed for raw materials in a brewpub?

A brewpub should allocate 100 to 200 square feet for storing raw materials like grains, hops, and yeast.

Proper storage conditions, such as temperature and humidity control, are essential for maintaining ingredient quality.

Efficient shelving and organization can help maximize the use of this space.

What is the recommended space for a bar area in a brewpub?

The bar area in a brewpub should be around 150 to 300 square feet, depending on the size of the establishment.

This space should include the bar counter, seating, and storage for glassware and beverages.

Designing an inviting and functional bar area can enhance the customer experience.

How much space is needed for a cold storage room in a brewpub?

A cold storage room in a brewpub typically requires 100 to 150 square feet.

This space is essential for storing perishable ingredients and finished products at the correct temperature.

Proper insulation and refrigeration equipment are crucial for maintaining the quality of stored items.

What is the ideal space allocation for restrooms in a brewpub?

Restrooms in a brewpub should occupy about 5% to 10% of the total floor space.

This ensures adequate facilities for customers and staff, complying with local regulations.

Consideration should be given to accessibility and cleanliness in restroom design.

How much space should be reserved for staff areas in a brewpub?

Staff areas in a brewpub, including break rooms and lockers, should be around 100 to 200 square feet.

This space provides a comfortable environment for employees to rest and store personal belongings.

Well-designed staff areas can contribute to employee satisfaction and productivity.

What is the typical size of a brewpub's outdoor seating area?

An outdoor seating area in a brewpub can range from 200 to 500 square feet, depending on available space.

This area can enhance the customer experience, especially in pleasant weather.

Considerations for outdoor seating include weather protection and noise control.

How much space is needed for a brewpub's waste management area?

A waste management area in a brewpub should be around 50 to 100 square feet.

This space is necessary for storing waste and recyclables before disposal.

Proper waste management practices are essential for maintaining cleanliness and compliance with regulations.

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