Established
2008
Franchise Units
21
Minimum Investment
$81,000
Franchise Fee
$35,000
Total Investment Range
$99,300
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?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Multiple Revenue Streams: Revenue comes from public tours, private events, corporate outings, gift cards, and merchandise, allowing for strong year-round earnings.
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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
- Franchise since: 2018
- Founders: Chad Brodsky (CEO) and Barry Hansen Jr. (COO)
- Active Units: 21+ Locations across North America (including major hubs like Boston, DC, Austin, and Montreal).
- Brand Journey: What started with a college student and a used church van in Burlington, Vermont, has evolved into the continent’s leading brewery tour operator. Founder Chad Brodsky, a Certified Cicerone®, spent years perfecting the model before bringing on Barry Hansen to streamline logistics and launch the franchising program.
- Industry Category: Travel & Hospitality / Food & Beverage Experiences.
- Market Presence: A dominant force in the USA and Canada, known for being "The Ambassador of Craft Beer."
Support Training
Pre-Launch Guidance: We help you navigate federal and state passenger transportation licensing, insurance procurement, and the critical process of onboarding your local brewery partners.
The "Beer Geek" Academy: 80+ hours of comprehensive training (both on-site in your territory and remote). We teach you everything from craft beer science and history to how to manage a fleet and train your guides.
Marketing & SEO Powerhouse: Our corporate team manages a high-converting website and assists with local SEO, digital marketing campaigns, and PR to ensure your tours are booked from day one.
Operational Infrastructure: Franchisees get "plugged in" to our proprietary tech stack, including a turn-on-the-lights booking platform, VOIP phone systems, and a 150+ page operational manual.
Ongoing Mentorship: Monthly one-on-one check-ins and access to a dedicated franchisee network ensure you are never alone in your business journey.
Ideal Candidate
- The Passionate Entrepreneur: You don’t need to be a professional brewer, but you must love the culture and community of craft beer.
Sales & Networking Pro: You should be comfortable walking into a brewery and building a partnership or pitching a corporate HR director on a team-building event.
Logistical Mindset: Experience in management or operations is a plus, as you’ll be managing schedules, vehicles, and a team of guides.
Investment Capability: Candidates should have a minimum net worth of $100,000 and the liquid capital to cover the initial startup phase.
Location Preference: We are targeting cities with a vibrant craft beer scene (at least 10–15 local breweries) and a healthy mix of tourism and corporate headquarters.
Financial Detail
| Investment Category | Financial Requirement / Detail |
| Total Investment Required | $81,000 - $99,300 |
| Minimum Cash/Liquid Capital | $90,000 |
| Initial Franchise Fee | $35,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 5.5% – 8.5% of gross sales |
| National Brand Fund (Marketing) | 5.5% – 8.5% of gross sales |
| Infrastructure & Vehicle Cost | $9,500 – $14,000 (Includes 15-passenger van and branding) |
| Working Capital (First 6 Months) | $10,000 (Estimated) |
| Grand Opening Marketing | $7,500 |
| Expected Break-Even Time | Varies by market; typically accelerated by high-margin corporate sales |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Public tours, Private events, Corporate team building, Virtual tastings |