Established
2008
Franchise Units
15
Minimum Investment
$90,000
Franchise Fee
$25,000
Total Investment Range
$150,000
Home Based
No
Description
City Brew Tours is a unique and rapidly growing franchise in the craft beer and brewery tour industry, offering entrepreneurs the chance to build a profitable business around one of America’s most beloved pastimes—beer. With a proven business model that blends tourism, hospitality, and craft beverage culture, City Brew Tours has positioned itself as a market leader in curated brewery experiences.
Founded with a passion for craft beer and community, the franchise provides all-inclusive guided tours to local breweries, giving customers behind-the-scenes access to production facilities, expert beer education, and of course, exclusive tastings. City Brew Tours is more than just a travel or hospitality brand—it’s an experiential lifestyle business with strong consumer demand in major cities across the USA.
Whether targeting tourists, corporate events, bachelor/bachelorette parties, or local craft beer lovers, City Brew Tours has a diverse customer base and multiple revenue streams, making it an attractive investment opportunity for entrepreneurs who want to own a fun, high-demand, and scalable business.
Why Invest in this Franchise?
-
Booming Craft Beer Industry: The craft beer industry in the USA has seen exponential growth, with thousands of breweries nationwide fueling consumer demand for authentic, local experiences.
-
Unique Business Model: Unlike traditional food and beverage franchises, City Brew Tours combines entertainment, education, and hospitality with craft beer, creating a one-of-a-kind customer experience.
-
Low Overhead: Franchisees don’t need to own a brewery or restaurant. Operations are service-based, keeping infrastructure and staffing costs lower than traditional foodservice businesses.
-
Multiple Revenue Streams: Revenue comes from public tours, private events, corporate outings, gift cards, and merchandise, allowing for strong year-round earnings.
-
Established Brand Reputation: With years of industry experience, City Brew Tours is a trusted name in brewery tourism and recognized for delivering premium, professional experiences.
Background
Established Year: 2008
-
Founder: Chad Brodsky, a craft beer enthusiast who turned his passion into a thriving experiential business.
-
Franchise Units: Over 15 units operating in major U.S. cities, including Boston, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and more.
-
Brand Journey: What began as a small beer tour company in Burlington, Vermont, quickly expanded into multiple markets through franchising. City Brew Tours now connects thousands of customers with breweries nationwide.
-
Industry Category: Hospitality, Travel & Tourism, and Beverage Service.
-
Market Presence: Active in multiple U.S. metro areas, with opportunities available in untapped cities with a growing craft beer scene.
-
Ownership: Privately owned and expanding through franchising to bring local beer culture to communities across America.
Support Training
City Brew Tours ensures its franchisees are fully equipped to run a successful and enjoyable business by providing comprehensive training and ongoing support at every stage of the journey. From pre-launch setup to daily operations and long-term growth, the franchisor’s systems are designed to make franchise ownership smooth and profitable.
1. Pre-Launch Support
-
Site & Market Analysis: Assistance with identifying the best territory based on tourism, brewery presence, and demographics.
-
Business Setup Guidance: Help with licensing, permits, and forming partnerships with local breweries and transportation providers.
-
Launch Planning: Step-by-step support for creating your tour calendar, booking system, and local marketing campaigns before your grand opening.
2. Initial Training Program
Franchisees and their teams receive hands-on training covering:
-
Operations management – scheduling tours, staffing, and logistics.
-
Customer service – creating engaging and memorable tour experiences.
-
Beer education – learning beer styles, brewing techniques, and industry knowledge to share with guests.
-
Safety and compliance – ensuring tours follow transportation and alcohol-related regulations.
Training is delivered through a mix of in-person sessions, classroom learning, online modules, and practical on-site experiences.
3. Operational Support
-
Access to standardized systems and technology for reservations, payments, and customer management.
-
Ongoing business coaching to monitor growth and profitability.
-
Detailed manuals and best practices to streamline daily operations.
-
Assistance with recruitment and staff training to ensure quality service delivery.
4. Marketing & Branding Support
-
National brand campaigns to boost awareness across the USA.
-
Local marketing playbooks to help franchisees connect with their community.
-
Digital marketing support, including SEO, social media promotions, email campaigns, and online advertising guidance.
-
Professionally designed marketing materials, brochures, and event templates.
5. Academic & Knowledge Resources
-
Access to a franchisee learning portal with updated training content, operational guides, and industry insights.
-
Beer knowledge modules to ensure franchisees stay up-to-date with the latest trends in craft brewing.
6. Ongoing Support
-
Regular franchise meetings, conferences, and networking events for shared learning.
-
Continuous access to the corporate support team for troubleshooting and growth strategies.
-
Innovation support – new tour formats, seasonal promotions, and product offerings rolled out to all franchisees.
Ideal Candidate
City Brew Tours is not just a business—it’s a lifestyle brand that appeals to passionate entrepreneurs who want to combine work with fun, community, and culture. The ideal franchisee is someone who understands that running a brewery tour business is about creating memorable experiences, building partnerships, and managing logistics efficiently.
1. Passion & Personality
-
A strong interest in craft beer, brewing culture, or hospitality (no need to be a beer expert, as full training is provided).
-
Outgoing, enthusiastic, and comfortable interacting with diverse groups, from tourists to corporate executives.
-
Someone who enjoys being a community connector and building strong relationships with local breweries.
2. Professional Background
-
Experience in hospitality, tourism, event planning, or customer service is helpful but not required.
-
Previous business ownership or management experience is a plus, as this helps with operations, staff supervision, and growth.
-
Strong sales and marketing orientation to drive bookings and build local partnerships.
3. Investment Capability
-
Ability to meet the minimum investment requirement of $90,000+.
-
Financial stability to manage working capital, marketing, and expansion in the first year.
-
Business-minded individuals looking for high ROI opportunities in the service and tourism sector.
4. Commitment & Vision
-
Willingness to be actively involved in operations, especially in the first year, to ensure strong brand reputation.
-
Entrepreneurial spirit to grow the business and potentially expand into multiple territories.
-
Desire to join a community of like-minded franchisees in a fun and expanding industry.
5. Location Preference
-
Best suited for urban or metropolitan areas with:
-
A strong craft beer presence (breweries, brewpubs, beer bars).
-
A steady tourism flow (visitors, corporate events, bachelor/bachelorette parties).
-
A young, professional demographic who enjoy lifestyle and cultural experiences.
-
Financial Detail
| Franchise Investment Breakdown | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $90,000 – $150,000 |
| Minimum Initial Investment | $90,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $25,000 – $35,000 |
| Infrastructure/Setup Costs | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| Marketing Budget (Initial) | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Working Capital | $20,000 – $40,000 |
| Royalty Fees | 7% of gross revenue |
| Expected ROI | 18–30% annually |
| Break-Even Time | 12–18 months |
| Revenue Streams | Public tours, private events, corporate packages, merchandise, gift cards |