Absolute Numbers LLC

Dreaming of expanding your brewery's horizons? For many craft breweries, the route to new markets often involves a fusion with the culinary world. While becoming a brewpub is one avenue, another intriguing option is partnering with a restaurant or providing a space for food trucks. However, before embarking on this collaborative journey, it's crucial to consider several key factors that pave the way for a successful and mutually beneficial partnership.

Let's dive into the essential aspects to contemplate before saying "Cheers!" to a restaurant or food truck partnership, guiding you to ensure this alliance aligns seamlessly with your brewery's objectives:

1. Harmonizing Flavors: Crafting a Culinary Symphony

Start by ensuring that the restaurant's menu or food truck offerings seamlessly complement your beer offerings. For a restaurant, the goal is a continuous synergy where your beer elevates the dining experience. In the case of a food truck for a specific pop-up event, the focus may shift to crafting unique beer and food pairings for the occasions.

2. Infrastructure and Operations: Beyond Storage

Take a close look at the restaurant's or food truck's operational capacity. While a restaurant needs space to store and serve your brews, a food truck requires efficient service on-site. Consider the logistics of their operations, recognizing that the mobility factor of a food truck adds an extra layer of planning, especially for coordinated pop-up events at the brewery.

3. The Agreement Framework: A Blueprint for Success

Solidify a comprehensive agreement that outlines the rights and responsibilities of both parties. Dive into key components such as minimum order requirements, payment terms, and the distribution channels through which your beers will flow. Tailor this agreement to the specific dynamics of your partnership, whether it's with a fixed restaurant or a food truck for periodic events at your brewery.

4. Branding and Promotion: Crafting a Consistent Narrative

Discuss and define marketing strategies within the partnership. It's crucial to clarify how your brand will be represented in the restaurant's promotional materials or how joint promotions can enhance brand visibility with a food truck. 

5. Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Navigating Legal Waters

Thoroughly investigate the restaurant's or food truck's compliance with legal requirements, from licenses to permits. Simultaneously, confirm that your beer meets all applicable regulatory standards to avoid any setbacks.

6. Crunching the Numbers: The Financial Blend

Assess the partnership's profitability by exploring revenue-sharing arrangements and understanding how the collaboration might impact your brewery's cash flow. Consider the unique financial dynamics introduced by partnering with a food truck, such as variations in foot traffic and sales locations during pop-up events.

7. Reputation and Alignment: Brewing with Integrity

Consider the restaurant's or food truck's reputation and image. Ensure that their values align with yours, and that partnering won't compromise your brewery's identity. Whether in a stationary establishment or at dynamic pop-up events, brewing with integrity ensures a partnership that stands the test of time.

With over two decades of brewery management experience, our expertise extends to the intricacies of partnering with restaurants and food trucks. We understand the complexities involved and can provide valuable guidance to help you make informed decisions aligned with your business goals. If you're exploring the possibilities of a brewery-restaurant or brewery-food truck partnership, don't hesitate to contact us today. Let's craft success together!