Craft beer has steadily taken over the beer scene in recent years. This trend has shifted the market from mass-produced beer to high-quality, artisanal beer brewed in small batches. The result is that bars and restaurants are able to offer a wider variety of beer to their customers. If you are a bar owner considering stocking craft beer, you'll need to know what to look for and what to avoid.
Understand Your Demographics
Before buying craft beer, you need to understand your audience. The kind of beer you stock will depend on the demographics of the customers your bar attracts. For instance, if your bar is situated around a university, you'll want to stock beer that appeals to the student population, such as lighter beers and popular brands. While, if you are catering to a more mature audience, you may want to stock a range of local or hard-to-find beers that offer a unique drinking experience.
Selecting the Right Styles
Knowing the various beer styles is crucial to ensure your selection appeals to your customers. Craft beer varies widely in terms of flavor, aroma, and alcohol levels. Some popular styles include India Pale Ale, stouts, porters, lagers, and sours. Consider stocking popular styles that are easy to drink, as well as more adventurous styles that are popular with beer enthusiasts. Also, be careful not to overlap too many similar styles, which will confuse your customers when selecting their next beer from the list.
Be Mindful of Price
Price is always a factor to consider when buying craft beer for your bar. Before making a purchase, think about your profit margin and the cost of the beer to the customer. You don't want to price your craft beer too high, as it will deter customers from trying it. However, charging too low will also hurt the bar's profits. Work with your supplier to determine the cost of each beer and price them accordingly.
Keep a Rotating Tap
To keep customers coming back, consider having a rotating tap that features different craft beers every week or month. This creates excitement and a sense of unpredictability which keeps the customers interested. Also, rotating taps give you the opportunity to try out new breweries and styles, which can help you find the perfect addition to your regular tap selection.
Craft beer is a great addition to any bar, but it is essential to stock the right ones. Understanding the demographics, selecting the right styles, considering price, and keeping a rotating tap are all vital aspects to consider in the process. By following these guidelines, you'll keep your customers happy while growing the bar's profits. Always remember that the quality of the beer should be the priority, as quality beer will keep customers coming back again and again.
Reach out to a craft beer supplier for more info.