2008
15
$90,000
$25,000
$150,000
No
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
| 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 |
